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道Nihongo Path
弊

弊·harmful, our (humble)

On-yomi
ヘイ
Kun-yomi
none

By Nihongo PathUpdated

Stroke order

Write it in this order; the numbers mark where each stroke starts.

15 strokes, numbered in writing order. Data: KanjiVG (CC BY-SA 3.0).

Common words

WordReadingMeaning
弊社へいしゃour company (humble)
弊害へいがいharmful effect, evil
疲弊ひへいexhaustion, impoverishment
旧弊きゅうへいold abuses, outdated custom

Example sentences

  1. 弊社の製品をご検討いただき、ありがとうございます。

    へいしゃのせいひんをごけんとういただき、ありがとうございます。

    Thank you for considering our company's products.

  2. 長時間労働の弊害が指摘されている。

    ちょうじかんろうどうのへいがいがしてきされている。

    The harmful effects of long working hours are being pointed out.

  3. 戦争で国土が疲弊した。

    せんそうでこくどがひへいした。

    The country was left exhausted by the war.

Similar-looking kanji

Do not confuse these on the exam.

Common mistakes

  • Writing 貨幣 with 弊 instead of 幣
  • Using 弊社 for someone else's company — it is humble, only for your own

Memory aid

Picture it

Torn cloth 敝 over two hands 廾 — something worn out and ragged, which is both a harm and, said of yourself, a show of modesty.

Vocabulary using this kanji

Quick check

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What does the kanji 弊 mean?