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品性を損なう (hinsei o sokonau) - to damage one's character

Grammar & Usage

idiomatic phrase / verb phrase

formal

How it works

This phrase consists of the noun 品性 (hinsei, 'character/dignity'), the direct object particle を (o), and the transitive verb 損なう (sokonau, 'to damage/harm'). It functions as a transitive verb phrase used to describe actions, speech, or environments that ruin moral refinement or ethical standing. It is commonly used in formal critiques, moral guidance, and written essays.

Sample sentences

そんな下品な言葉遣いは、自らの品性を損なうだけだ。

Using such vulgar language will only damage your own character.

彼の軽率な振る舞いは、長年培ってきた品性を損なう結果となった。

His reckless behavior ended up damaging the dignity he had cultivated over many years.

金銭への過度な執着は、時に人の品性を損なうことがある。

Excessive obsession with money can sometimes degrade a person's character.

Quick facts

nuance:Carries an elevated, serious tone often invoking moral or social standards of decorum and integrity.

verb_class:Godan verb ending in う (-u)

kanji_breakdown:品 (refinement/quality) + 性 (nature/temperament) + 損なう (to harm/spoil)

Often used with

品性を保つ (to maintain one's character)

品性を疑われる (to have one's character called into question)

品位を損なう (to damage one's dignity)

自らの品性を損なう (to tarnish one's own character)

Mnemonic

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Example

そんな下品な言葉遣いは、自らの品性を損なうだけだ。

Using such vulgar language will only damage your own character.

彼の軽率な振る舞いは、長年培ってきた品性を損なう結果となった。

His reckless behavior ended up damaging the dignity he had cultivated over many years.