負ける

まける
Alternative writings: 敗ける, 敗北る
JLPT:N4
Frequency:
1

To lose or be defeated (in a match, contest, or competition).

Ru-VerbIntransitive Verb

Examples

昨日の試合でチームは相手に負けた。

The team lost to the opponent in yesterday's game.

彼はボクシングの試合で惜しくも負けた。

He narrowly lost the boxing match.

このゲームは時間切れで負けになることがあるので注意して。

Be careful: in this game you can lose by running out of time.

2

To give in, succumb, or surrender to something (such as temptation, pressure, or urges).

Ru-VerbIntransitive Verb

Examples

ダイエット中なのに甘い物に負けてしまった。

Even though I'm dieting, I gave in to sweets.

彼女の説得に負けて、約束を変更した。

I gave in to her persuasion and changed the plan.

誘惑に負けないよう意志を強く持つ必要がある。

You need strong willpower so you don't succumb to temptation.

3

To be inferior to someone or something; to be outclassed in ability or quality.

Ru-VerbIntransitive Verb

Examples

経験の差で彼はベテランに負けることが多い。

Because of the difference in experience, he often falls short of veterans.

この製品は機能面で他社製品に負けている。

This product is inferior to competitors' products in terms of features.

4

To have an allergic reaction or rash (on the skin) caused by something such as lacquer or metal — used as 'to react to X'.

Ru-VerbIntransitive Verb

Examples

この腕時計の金属で肌が負けて、かぶれてしまった。

The metal of this watch reacted with my skin and caused a rash.

新しい化粧品に負けて顔が赤くなった。

I reacted to the new cosmetics and my face turned red.

5

To reduce the price, give a discount, or throw something in for free (a transitive use — e.g., a seller giving a discount).

Ru-VerbTransitive Verb

Examples

店主が常連客に品物を少し負けてくれた。

The shopkeeper gave the regular customer a small discount on the item.

まとめて買うならもう少し負けますよ。

If you buy in bulk I'll give you a bigger discount.

「もう少し負けてくれませんか」と交渉したら、値段を下げてくれた。

I negotiated 'Could you give me a bit more off?' and they lowered the price.

Word Relationships

Masu-Form負けます
Nai-Form負けない
Ta-Form負けた
Te-Form負けて
Ba-Form負ければ
Volitional Form負けよう
Imperative Form負けろ
Potential Form負けられる
Passive Form負けられる
Causative Form負けさせる
Causative Passive Form負けさせられる