Meaning and Usage
"利益" (りえき) primarily means "profit" or "gain," often used in business or economic contexts to describe financial benefits. It can refer to monetary profit but also to advantages or benefits in a broader sense.
Common Contexts
You will often see "利益" in discussions about companies, investments, or transactions where financial outcomes are important. It can also be used in social or ethical contexts when talking about mutual benefits or societal gains.
Collocations and Patterns
- 利益を上げる: to make a profit
- 利益を追求する: to pursue profit
- 利益がある: to have a benefit
- 双方に利益がある: both parties benefit
These phrases are common in business conversations and formal writing.
Register and Nuance
"利益" is a formal noun used in business, economics, and formal discussions. It is not casual and is rarely used in everyday informal conversation unless discussing money or benefits explicitly.
Common Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "利益" with "得" (とく), which also means gain or profit but is more general and can be used in casual contexts. "利益" is more specific to financial or strategic advantage.