ワードアップ英会話 WORD UP ENGLISH CLASS | 日記 | Vocabulary: "win/lose" vs. "beat/lose to"

When it comes to sports, games, competitions, contests, etc., we often use the words "win" and "lose" to describe the result.

Some examples:

"I bought a lottery ticket and I won 5,000 yen!"

"She entered a singing contest but she lost in the first round."


But when we talk about winning and losing against opponents, we sometimes need to use different expressions.

So, for example, if the score of last night's baseball game was Bay Stars 6, Giants 3, then we can say the following sentences:

"The Bay Stars won the game."

"The Giants lost the game."

"The Bay Stars beat the Giants 6 to 3."

"The Giants lost to the Bay Stars 3 to 6."


Notice that we win or lose games, matches, prize money, contests, etc. (5,000 yen, a singing contest, the baseball game, etc.)

But we beat or lose to opposing players or teams. (the Bay Stars, the Giants, etc.)


So the next time you're talking about sports, be careful to use these terms correctly!