Translation guide
The English word "benefit" covers a range of meanings from advantages and helpful effects to financial or social support. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression based on the specific nuance.
Expressing that something is helpful, useful, or brings a good result.
General term for profit, gain, or benefit, often used in business or formal contexts.
この計画は会社に大きな利益をもたらす。
This plan will bring great benefits to the company.
Refers to a specific advantage or merit of something.
この方法の利点はコストが低いことだ。
The benefit of this method is its low cost.
Loanword from English 'merit', commonly used in casual and business settings to mean advantage or benefit.
早起きのメリットは何ですか？
What are the benefits of waking up early?
Emphasizes blessings or benefits received, often from nature, society, or a higher power. Slightly formal.
科学の恩恵を受けて生活している。
We live benefiting from the blessings of science.
A phrase meaning 'to be beneficial' or 'to be good for someone', often used for learning or health.
この本はとてもためになる。
This book is very beneficial.
Referring to government or organizational aid, such as unemployment benefits or health benefits.
Refers to benefits or allowances paid by the government or an organization.
失業給付金を受け取る。
Receive unemployment benefits.
Often used for specific allowances like housing or family benefits.
General term for welfare or social security benefits.
A concert, dinner, or event held to raise money for a cause.
Specifically refers to a benefit performance or charity event.
被災者のための慈善興行が開かれた。
A benefit performance was held for the disaster victims.
Loanword for 'charity event', widely understood.
チャリティーイベントに参加する。
Participate in a benefit event.
Expressing that someone gains an advantage or receives a good result.
A common pattern meaning 'to receive the benefits of ~'.
彼はその政策の恩恵を受けた。
He benefited from the policy.
Means 'to gain profit/benefit from ~', often in business.
投資から利益を得る。
Benefit from investments.
Means 'to be useful/beneficial for ~'.
この経験は将来に役立つ。
This experience will benefit you in the future.
English often uses 'benefit' as a verb (e.g., 'Exercise benefits health'). In Japanese, you usually need to rephrase using patterns like 〜に良い, 〜のためになる, or 〜に役立つ. Direct translations like 利益する are not used.
利益 (rieki) is often used for financial or tangible gains. 利点 (riten) highlights a specific advantage or strong point. メリット (meritto) is a casual, versatile loanword for any kind of benefit or upside.
彼の経験の恩恵を受けた。
I got the benefit of his experience.
Housing benefit is provided.
Use the welfare system (benefits).