Level 4

손해

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Meaning and Usage

The Korean word '손해' (sonhae) primarily means 'damage' or 'loss,' often used in financial or material contexts. It refers to a negative impact, such as monetary loss, physical damage, or disadvantage.

Common Contexts

'손해' is frequently used when discussing accidents, business transactions, or situations where someone suffers a disadvantage. It can describe both tangible damage and abstract losses like time or opportunity.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 손해를 보다: to suffer a loss or be at a disadvantage.
  • 손해를 감수하다: to accept or endure a loss.
  • 손해 배상: compensation for damages.

These expressions are common in formal and informal contexts, especially in business or legal discussions.

Register and Nuance

'손해' is a neutral noun used in both spoken and written Korean. It is appropriate in formal settings such as contracts or news reports, as well as everyday conversation.

Common Learner Mistake

Learners sometimes confuse '손해' with '피해' (damage or harm), but '피해' often implies physical or emotional harm, while '손해' is more about financial or material loss. Use '손해' when referring to economic or tangible losses.

Example Sentences

이번 사고로 회사에 큰 손해가 발생했다.

Ibeon sagoro hoesae keun sonhaega balseonghaetda.

This accident caused a big loss to the company.

손해를 보지 않도록 계약서를 꼼꼼히 읽어야 한다.

Sonhaereul boji anhdorok gyeyakseoreul kkomkkomhi ilgeoya handa.

You should carefully read the contract to avoid suffering a loss.

그는 손해를 감수하고 친구를 도와주었다.

Geuneun sonhaereul gamsuhago chingureul dowajueotda.

He helped his friend despite the loss.