Meaning
lose, bear, carry, defeat
This kanji represents taking on responsibility or being defeated.
- 負ける — to lose
- 負担 — burden, responsibility
- 勝負 — match, game, contest
- 抱負 — aspiration, ambition
- 責任を負う — to take responsibility
- 負傷 — injury, wounded
負 combines the shell radical (貝), often symbolizing wealth, with a person (⺈) carrying or taking something on. It originally meant "to carry on the back," but its meanings extended to include "to lose" in competitive situations and "to bear" responsibility.
チームが試合に負けました。
The team lost the match.
彼は 責任を負っている。
He is taking responsibility.
🎧 Listen to フ, まける, and おう.