损害

sǔnhài

harm

HSK 5

漢字分解

Meaning and Usage

The word "损害" (sǔnhài) means to damage or harm something, whether physically, emotionally, or reputationally. It is often used in formal or written contexts, such as legal, medical, or business language.

Common Contexts

  • Physical damage: e.g., damage to property or health.
  • Emotional or relational harm: e.g., damaging friendships or trust.
  • Abstract harm: e.g., damage to reputation or rights.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 损害健康 (damage health): used when talking about harm to physical well-being.
  • 损害利益 (damage interests): often used in legal or business contexts.
  • 严重损害 (seriously damage): emphasizes the extent of harm.

Usage Notes

"损害" is more formal and serious than words like "伤害" (to hurt) or "破坏" (to destroy). It often implies lasting or significant harm. When using "损害," the object is usually something valuable or important.

Avoid confusing "损害" with "损失" (loss), which refers to the loss itself rather than the act of harming.

例文

这次事故严重损害了公司的声誉。

Zhè cì shìgù yánzhòng sǔnhài le gōngsī de shēngyù.

This accident seriously damaged the company's reputation.

过度使用手机可能会损害视力。

Guòdù shǐyòng shǒujī kěnéng huì sǔnhài shìlì.

Excessive use of mobile phones may harm eyesight.

他的话损害了我们的友谊。

Tā de huà sǔnhài le wǒmen de yǒuyì.

His words damaged our friendship.