黒星
Meanings
1
black spot; black dot; bull's-eye
Literal black mark or dot; also used for a bull's-eye in target shooting.
A black dot is drawn at the center of the target.
He hit the bull's-eye.
2
Originally a sumo term for a loss mark (●), now widely used in sports, games, and general contexts for a defeat or failure. Often contrasted with 白星 (victory).
See also: 負け星 (まけぼし)
The team suffered a loss in yesterday's game.
He got his third loss this tournament.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉に黒星をつけるto hand someone a defeat
It was a rookie wrestler who handed the grand champion a loss.
- 黒星が続くto have a losing streak
I'm worried because he's had a string of losses this tournament.
- 黒星を喫するto suffer a defeat
The champion suffered an unexpected defeat.