Translation guide
The English verb "incur" means to become subject to something unpleasant as a result of one's own actions. In Japanese, this is expressed through various verbs and patterns depending on what is incurred (debt, loss, anger, risk, etc.).
To express that someone has taken on a financial burden, such as debt or a loss, often as a consequence of their actions.
A common verb meaning 'to bear' or 'to incur' something negative like debt, responsibility, or loss. Often used in the form 負うことになる.
その事業で多額の借金を負った。
He incurred a large amount of debt from that business.
Means 'to suffer' or 'to sustain' damage or loss. More formal and often used in written contexts.
会社は巨額の損失を被った。
The company incurred a huge loss.
A straightforward phrase meaning 'to take on debt'. Less formal than 負う.
彼は事業の失敗で多額の借金をした。
He incurred a large debt due to the failure of his business.
To express that someone has caused another person to become angry or displeased with them.
Literally 'to buy anger', this is the most natural way to say 'incur someone's anger'.
彼の無礼な態度が上司の怒りを買った。
His rude attitude incurred the boss's anger.
Means 'to incur hostility/antagonism'. Used when someone's actions cause others to dislike them.
その発言は多くの人の反感を買った。
That remark incurred the hostility of many people.
A more formal or literary expression meaning 'to incur displeasure'.
彼は王の不興を買って追放された。
He incurred the king's displeasure and was banished.
To express that someone has exposed themselves to risk or danger through their actions.
A common phrase meaning 'to take on risk' or 'to incur risk'.
その投資は大きなリスクを負うことになる。
That investment will incur significant risk.
Means 'to brave danger' or 'to incur risk'. Often used when someone deliberately takes a risk.
彼は命の危険を冒して子供を救った。
He incurred the risk of death to save the child.
To express that someone has to pay for something, often as a consequence of a decision.
A natural way to say 'to incur costs'. The subject is the cost, not the person.
引っ越しには思ったより費用がかかった。
Moving incurred more costs than I expected.
A more formal expression meaning 'to entail expenses'.
この計画は多大な出費を伴う。
This plan will incur considerable expenses.
To express that someone has become subject to a penalty or punishment due to their actions.
Means 'to receive punishment' or 'to incur a penalty'.
規則を破ると罰を受けることになる。
If you break the rules, you will incur a penalty.
A formal legal expression meaning 'to be sentenced' or 'to incur a punishment'.
彼はその罪で重い刑に処せられた。
He incurred a heavy sentence for that crime.
There is no single Japanese verb that covers all uses of 'incur'. Translating it directly as 被る (こうむる) in every context will sound unnatural. Choose the expression based on what is being incurred.
負う (おう) is used for taking on burdens like debt or responsibility, often with a sense of ongoing obligation. 被る (こうむる) is used for suffering damage or loss, often as a one-time event. 負う is more common in everyday speech.