Quick answer
負 is the kanji for "Defeat". A common reading is ま.ける (makeru). You can also practice writing it on this page.
Meaning
Defeat
Also : Owe · Bear · Minus · Negative
Learn 負 with SRS
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Readings
kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading
Practice writing
Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.
Stroke Order
9 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 負 represents 'DEFEAT'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of defeat.
On-reading: ふ — remember this sound by associating it with defeat. Kun-reading: ま.ける.
Example Sentences
試合に負けましたが諦めません。
しあいにまけましたがあきらめません。
I lost the match but won't give up.
責任を負うことが大切です。
せきにんをおうことがたいせつです。
It's important to take responsibility.
Vocabulary using 負
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 Jul 22, 2026
Learn 負 with Spaced Repetition
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