suffer · cover

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The on reading of 被 is ひ, and its kun reading is こうむる. It has 10 strokes and relates to wearing or covering something, or suffering harm.
• Basic usage: 被る is read かぶる, and 被害 is read ひがい.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• 被る and 被害
  • 被る means wear or be drenched.
  • 日差しが強いので帽子を被って出かけました。 means “The sun was strong, so I went out wearing a hat.”
  • 被害 means damage or harm.
  • 強風で果樹園に大きな被害が出た。 means “Strong winds caused major damage to the orchard.”