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JapanLingo

loss / damage

N2
Onyomi
Kunyomi
Stroke count
13
JLPT
N2

Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.

Memory tip

A flat illustration of an overhanging cliff with shelter beneath it, with the kanji 損 ("loss") drawn into the picture.

Picture an overhanging cliff with shelter beneath it: that is what 損 means — loss / damage. Now find the part that anchors it in the character itself, 扌 (hand) — a hand reaching in from the left. Drop that part into the picture and the shape stops being something separate to memorise.

Stroke Order

Stroke count: 13

General writing tips

These general rules have exceptions. Follow the animation and numbered frames for this character.

  • •Write from top to bottom.
  • •Write from left to right.
  • •Write horizontal strokes before the vertical strokes that cross them.
  • •Draw an outer enclosure first, then fill in what is inside.
  • •In symmetric shapes, write the centre before the left and right sides.
  • •This kanji has 13 strokes — trace them in order in the practice area below.

Step by step

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Practice Writing

Free writing practice — compare your writing with the example. This canvas does not check your shape or stroke order. Draw with a mouse, finger, or pen; scroll outside the square to move down the page.

Trace the faded character, or hide the outline to practise from memory.

Writing Tips

  • Follow the order strictly: top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Correct order makes the shape balanced and natural.
  • Keep each stroke in one smooth motion — don't lift the pen in the middle of a stroke.
  • Close enclosing strokes cleanly so the character does not look open or broken.
  • Common mistake: drawing strokes bottom-to-top or right-to-left. Even if the result looks similar, the wrong order shows in handwriting and makes it harder to read.

Example words

sonshou

damage

songai

damage

sonshitsu

loss

sokonau

to harm

sonshousuru

to do damage

sokonatte

harm — te-form

Example sentences (6)

jiko de kuruma ga sonshou shimashita.

The car was damaged in the accident.

nimotsu ni sonshou ga atta sai wa, sono ba de shashin o totte kudasai.

If there is damage to the package, please take a photo on the spot.

taifuu de ookina songai ga demashita.

The typhoon caused great damage.

hoken ni haitte ita okage de, songai no ichibu ga modotte kimashita.

Thanks to having insurance, part of the loss came back to us.

ookina sonshitsu o dashite shimaimashita.

We suffered a large loss.

hayame ni kizuite ireba, sonshitsu wa motto chiisakute sunda hazu desu.

If we had noticed earlier, the loss should have been much smaller.