Quick answer
害 is the kanji for "Harm". The most common reading is がい (gai). Mnemonics and example sentences are listed below.
Meaning
Harm
Also : Damage · Injury
Learn 害 with SRS
Free to start — no credit card. Track every review with spaced repetition.
Readings
kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading
Practice writing
Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.
Stroke Order
10 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 害 represents 'HARM'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of harm.
On-reading: がい — remember this sound by associating it with harm.
Example Sentences
環境への害を減らす努力をしています。
かんきょうへのがいをへらすどりょくをしています。
I'm making efforts to reduce harm to the environment.
台風による被害が大きかったです。
たいふうによるひがいがおおきかったです。
The damage from the typhoon was great.
Vocabulary using 害
Grammar to study at this level
- [Verb dictionary/nai form] + ように～ように (you ni) - So that
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことにする～ことにする (koto ni suru) - Decide to
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことになる～ことになる (koto ni naru) - It has been decided that
- [Noun/Verb te-form] + ばかり～ばかり (bakari) - Only / Nothing but
- [Verb/Adjective plain form] + はずだ～はずだ (hazu da) - Should be / It is expected
Last updated Jun 18, 2026
Learn 害 with Spaced Repetition
InitialJ uses scientifically proven SRS to help you memorize kanji and vocabulary for the JLPT. N5 is free forever; no credit card required.