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B2 noun #6,500 most common 11 min read

便益

ben'eki Top 6,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 便益 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 便益 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word '便益' (ben'eki) yourself, as it is a very formal and difficult word. However, it is helpful to know that it means 'a good thing' or 'something helpful.' In Japanese, there are many ways to say 'good.' You might know 'ii' (good) or 'benri' (convenient). 'Ben'eki' is like a very fancy version of 'benri.' Imagine you are reading a book about a city. The book might say a new train station is a 'ben'eki.' This just means the station is very helpful for the people. You can think of it as 'convenience + profit.' It is a word used by adults in serious jobs. For now, just remember that if you see '便' (convenience) and '益' (profit) together, it means something that helps people in a big way, like a library or a park.

At the A2 level, you are starting to see more formal Japanese in news or simple articles. '便益' (ben'eki) is a noun that means 'benefit.' It is different from the word 'merit' (meritto) because it sounds more like a report. You will often see it in sentences like 'This brings benefit to people.' The verb usually used with it is 'motarasu' (to bring). For example: 'New technology brings benefit (ben'eki) to our lives.' You should not use this word when talking to your friends about a movie or a snack. It is too 'heavy.' Use it when you want to talk about how a service or a system helps many people. It's a 'public' kind of good thing. If you are describing why a new bus route is good for your town, 'ben'eki' is a great word to use in a formal speech or a school essay.

As a B1 learner, you should begin to distinguish between different types of 'benefits.' While 'rieki' is often about money and 'meritto' is about any positive point, '便益' (ben'eki) focuses on 'utility' or 'functional advantage.' It is a key word in formal discussions about society and business services. You will hear it in the phrase 'user benefit' (ユーザー便益). This means 'how the user's life gets easier.' When you write essays about social issues, using 'ben'eki' instead of 'ii tokoro' will make your Japanese sound much more advanced. It shows that you understand the objective value of a system. Common patterns include 'ben'eki o eru' (to receive a benefit) and 'ben'eki o teikyō suru' (to provide a benefit). It is particularly common in the context of infrastructure, like roads, bridges, and the internet.

At the B2 level, you are expected to understand and use '便益' (ben'eki) in its proper technical and formal contexts. This is a word frequently used in 'Cost-Benefit Analysis' (費用便益分析 - hiyō ben'eki bunseki). In this context, 'ben'eki' represents the quantified positive outcomes of a project, such as time saved, increased safety, or improved health. It is an essential term for business Japanese and for understanding government policy. You should be able to explain the difference between 'ben'eki' (utility/benefit) and 'rieki' (monetary profit). For instance, a public park provides 'ben'eki' to the community even if it doesn't generate 'rieki.' You will also encounter it in legal terms and academic writing. Mastering this word allows you to engage in higher-level debates about urban planning, environmental policy, and corporate strategy.

For C1 learners, '便益' (ben'eki) is a tool for nuanced analysis in professional and academic settings. You should be comfortable using it to describe abstract utility functions and social welfare. In economic discourse, 'ben'eki' is often broken down into 'direct benefits' (直接的便益) and 'indirect benefits' (間接的便益). You will find it in discussions of 'Agglomeration benefits' (集積便益) in urban economics or 'External benefits' (外部便益) in environmental studies. The word carries a connotation of being a 'rightful' or 'structured' gain derived from a system. You might use it in a complex sentence like: 'The social benefits (社会的便益) derived from this policy outweigh the initial fiscal burden.' It is also important to understand its role in the 'Beneficiary-pays principle' (受益者負担の原則), where '受益' is the verbal form of receiving 'ben'eki.'

At the C2 level, you should have a comprehensive grasp of '便益' (ben'eki) within the framework of normative economics and political philosophy. You can use it to discuss the 'marginal utility' or the 'aggregate benefit' of complex global systems. The word is central to the 'Utilitarian' (功利主義) approach to governance, where the maximization of 'ben'eki' is the primary goal. You will encounter it in high-level legal interpretations regarding the 'benefit of the state' versus the 'benefit of the individual.' At this level, you should also be aware of its historical usage in administrative Japanese and how it contrasts with more modern, imported concepts of 'value' (バリュー). Your usage of 'ben'eki' should be precise, appearing in contexts where quantifiable utility is being compared against costs or risks in a sophisticated, multi-variable analysis.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

便益 in 30 Seconds

Ben'eki refers to formal benefits or utility, especially in public and economic contexts.
It differs from 'rieki' (profit) by focusing on functional advantages rather than just money.
Commonly used in 'Cost-Benefit Analysis' and government policy reporting.
It is a B2-level word, suitable for formal writing and professional discussions.

The Japanese word 便益 (ben'eki) is a formal noun that translates most accurately to 'benefit' or 'utility' in an economic or public policy context. While the English word 'benefit' can be used casually (e.g., 'the benefits of exercise'), ben'eki is specifically reserved for situations where one evaluates the advantages, conveniences, or gains provided by a specific system, service, or infrastructure. It is the 'utility' that a person or a society derives from something. For example, when a city builds a new park, the 'ben'eki' includes the fresh air, the space for children to play, and the mental health improvements for the residents. It is not just about money (which would be rieki), but about the overall value and convenience added to life.

Economic Context: In economics, this word is a pillar of 'Cost-Benefit Analysis' (費用便益分析 - hiyō ben'eki bunseki). It represents the positive side of the ledger when deciding if a public project is worth the taxpayer money.
Public Service: It is frequently used by government officials to describe how a new law or facility will improve the lives of citizens. It carries a nuance of 'public good' and 'structured convenience'.

You will rarely hear this word in a casual conversation between friends at a cafe. If you said, 'The benefit of this coffee is its taste,' using ben'eki, it would sound like you are reading a formal market research report. Instead, you hear it in news broadcasts, read it in newspapers like the Nikkei, or see it in academic journals. It implies a level of objective measurement. When a company discusses the 'ben'eki' of a new software update for its users, they are looking at the time saved and the reduction in errors—quantifiable improvements in the user experience.

新しい道路の建設は、地域住民に多大な便益をもたらす。(The construction of the new road brings significant benefits to the local residents.)

Understanding the kanji helps clarify the meaning. 便 (ben) means 'convenience' or 'facility' (as seen in benri), and 益 (eki) means 'profit' or 'gain'. Together, they describe a 'gain in convenience'. This is why the word is so tied to infrastructure; a bridge doesn't just make money; it makes travel convenient, which is a measurable gain for the people using it. In modern discourse, especially regarding digital transformation (DX), ben'eki is used to describe the 'value proposition' for the end-user. It answers the question: 'How exactly does this make the user's life better or easier?'

In a philosophical sense, ben'eki aligns with the concept of 'Utilitarianism' (功利主義 - kōri shugi), where the goal is to maximize the total 'benefit' for the greatest number of people. When Japanese policy makers debate a new social welfare program, they look at the 'social benefit' (社会的便益 - shakaiteki ben'eki). This includes things that are hard to put a price tag on, like 'peace of mind' or 'reduced traffic congestion'. By using this word, you signal that you are discussing the functional and structural advantages of a system rather than just personal feelings or simple cash flow.

ダムの建設による便益と環境への影響を慎重に評価する必要がある。(It is necessary to carefully evaluate the benefits of dam construction and its impact on the environment.)

Usage in Business: In B2B (Business to Business) sales, you might explain the 'ben'eki' your service provides to the client's operations, focusing on efficiency gains.

このサービスは顧客にどのような便益を提供できるのか。(What kind of benefits can this service provide to the customers?)

Using 便益 (ben'eki) correctly requires understanding its formal grammatical environment. It is almost always the object of verbs like motarasu (to bring), kyōju suru (to enjoy/receive), or teikyō suru (to provide). Because it is a technical term, it pairs well with other Sino-Japanese (Kango) words. For instance, you don't just 'get' a benefit; you 'receive the enjoyment of the benefit' (便益を享受する). This phrasing is standard in legal documents and high-level business proposals.

消費者はその新技術から多大な便益を享受している。(Consumers are enjoying significant benefits from that new technology.)

In the context of 'Cost-Benefit Analysis', the phrase hiyō tai ben'eki (cost vs. benefit) is essential. You will see this in discussions about whether a government project is 'worth it'. If the ben'eki exceeds the hiyō, the project is considered viable. This objective framing is what separates ben'eki from more emotional words for 'goodness'. It is about the utility function in a system.

Pattern: ～に便益をもたらす: To bring benefit to [target]. Used for policies, technologies, or infrastructure improvements.
Pattern: 便益を最大化する: To maximize benefits. Common in management and economic strategy.

Another common usage is describing the 'beneficiary' (受益者 - juyekisha). Notice the second kanji eki (益) is the same. The people who receive the ben'eki are the juyekisha. In tax discussions, there is a principle called juyekisha futan, which means the people who receive the benefit of a service should be the ones to pay for it (like a toll road). This logical, transactional framework is the natural home for the word ben'eki.

この政策は、将来世代にも便益が及ぶように設計されている。(This policy is designed so that the benefits will extend to future generations.)

When discussing digital services, UX designers often speak of 'user benefit' (ユーザー便益). This refers to the specific problem a feature solves for the user. If a feature is 'cool' but doesn't provide ben'eki, it is often seen as a failure in product design. Therefore, in a Japanese corporate setting, you might be asked: 'What is the concrete ben'eki for our clients?' (顧客にとっての具体的な便益は何ですか？). You should answer with data, time-saving metrics, or specific convenience improvements.

公共交通機関の整備は、都市全体の便益を高める。(The improvement of public transportation increases the benefit of the entire city.)

Specific Term: 費用便益分析: Cost-Benefit Analysis. This is the most common compound word you will encounter in academic or bureaucratic settings.

そのプロジェクトの便益は、投資額を大きく上回っている。(The benefits of that project greatly exceed the investment amount.)

The word 便益 (ben'eki) is a staple of 'Formal Japanese' (Kōshiki Nihongo). If you are watching the news on NHK, especially the segments covering the national budget, urban redevelopment, or environmental regulations, you will hear this word repeatedly. It is the language of the 'White Paper' (白書 - hakusho). When the Japanese government releases its annual report on the economy or the environment, it uses ben'eki to justify expenditures. It provides a veneer of scientific and economic rigor to political decisions.

In the News: Newscasters use it when reporting on new infrastructure. 'The opening of the new Shinkansen line is expected to bring economic benefits (経済的便益) to the region.'
In Corporate Meetings: During a product strategy meeting, a manager might ask, 'What is the user benefit (ユーザー便益) of this new interface?' This sounds much more professional than asking 'Why is this good?'

Another common place is in legal and contractual language. Terms of service (利用規約 - riyō kiyaku) often mention the 'benefits' provided to the user. In this context, ben'eki defines the scope of what the user is entitled to receive from the service provider. If you are studying for the JLPT N1 or BJT (Business Japanese Proficiency Test), this word is essential because it appears in the 'Reading' section involving formal articles or business correspondence.

政府は、この規制緩和が国民にどのような便益を与えるかを説明した。(The government explained what kind of benefits this deregulation would provide to the citizens.)

In academic settings, particularly in Economics, Sociology, and Engineering departments, ben'eki is used in research papers. A student might write a thesis on the 'Social Benefits of Renewable Energy' (再生可能エネルギーの社会的便益). Here, the word helps to quantify abstract concepts like 'cleaner air' into a framework that can be compared against the 'cost' of building solar panels. It is a word that bridges the gap between 'quality of life' and 'data'.

住民説明会では、新施設の便益だけでなく、リスクについても議論された。(In the residents' briefing, not only the benefits of the new facility but also the risks were discussed.)

Finally, you will find it in the 'Sustainability' or 'CSR' (Corporate Social Responsibility) sections of company websites. Japanese firms are very keen on showing how their existence provides ben'eki to the local community. They might list things like 'employment opportunities' and 'educational support' under the heading of 'Social Benefits'. It is a word that carries an aura of responsibility and contribution to the greater good.

In Urban Planning: Discussion of 'Agglomeration benefits' (集積便益 - shūseki ben'eki), the advantages gained when businesses cluster together in a city.

この開発プロジェクトは、長期的な便益を追求している。(This development project pursues long-term benefits.)

The most frequent mistake learners make with 便益 (ben'eki) is using it in a context that is too casual. Because English uses the word 'benefit' for almost everything, it's tempting to translate 'the benefits of eating vegetables' as yasai o taberu ben'eki. While technically understandable, it sounds bizarre. For health, personal advantages, or general 'good points', Japanese speakers use meritto (メリット) or yoi ten (良い点). Ben'eki is for systems and society, not your lunch choice.

Mistake: Confusing with Rieki: 'Rieki' (利益) usually refers to monetary profit or personal gain. If a company makes money, it's 'rieki'. If the company's product makes the customer's life easier, that's 'ben'eki'. Don't use 'ben'eki' to mean 'net income'.
Mistake: Using as a Verb: Some learners try to say 'ben'eki suru'. This is incorrect. 'Ben'eki' is a noun. You must say 'ben'eki o motarasu' (bring benefit) or 'ben'eki o eru' (get benefit).

Another subtle mistake is the register mismatch. If you are talking to a friend about a new app, saying 'The ben'eki of this app is...' makes you sound like a robot or a corporate press release. In that situation, stick to 'kore, sugoku benri da yo' (this is really convenient) or 'tsukau meritto ga aru yo' (there's a merit to using it). Use ben'eki when you are writing a report, giving a presentation, or discussing public policy.

❌ 毎日の運動には多くの便益がある。(Too formal for daily exercise.)
✅ 毎日の運動には多くのメリットがある。(Natural and common.)

Lastly, be careful with the word onkei (恩恵). While onkei also means benefit, it carries a nuance of 'blessing' or 'grace'—something received from a higher power, nature, or a superior's kindness (like 'the blessings of the sun'). Ben'eki is much more transactional and functional. It's the benefit you get from a toll road because you paid the toll and the road was engineered for speed. It's not a 'blessing'; it's a 'utility'.

❌ このチョコレートを食べる便益は何ですか？(Sounds like an economic study of chocolate.)
✅ このチョコレートを食べるメリットは何ですか？(Standard question.)

Confusing with 'Benri': While 'benri' (convenient) is the adjective form of the first kanji, you cannot use 'ben'eki' as a direct synonym for 'convenience'. 'Ben'eki' is the *result* or *value* of that convenience.

To truly master 便益 (ben'eki), you must see how it fits into the cluster of Japanese words for 'benefit' and 'profit'. Each has a specific 'register' and 'domain'. Choosing the wrong one can change the meaning of your sentence from 'this is a useful policy' to 'I am making money from this'.

利益 (Rieki): The most common word for profit. It is used for business earnings (net profit) and also for personal advantage. If you win a bet, you get 'rieki'. If you are looking out for 'Number One', you are pursuing 'kojin-teki rieki' (personal interest).
メリット (Meritto): A loanword from 'merit'. It is the go-to word for 'pros' in a 'pros and cons' list. It is used in both casual and business contexts to describe any positive aspect of a choice or a thing. It is much more versatile than 'ben'eki'.
恩恵 (Onkei): Means 'grace', 'favor', or 'blessing'. Use this when the benefit feels like a gift. 'The blessings of nature' (shizen no onkei) or 'the benefits of modern civilization' (gendai bunmei no onkei). It implies a sense of gratitude.
利得 (Ritoku): A technical term often used in game theory or law, meaning 'gain' or 'payoff'. It is very cold and mathematical, even more so than 'ben'eki'.

When comparing ben'eki to rieki, think of a library. The 'rieki' of the library might be zero (it loses money), but its 'ben'eki' (the benefit to the community through education and access to books) is enormous. This distinction is vital for anyone working in the public sector or non-profits. If you use the word rieki when you mean ben'eki, people might think you are talking about commercial exploitation rather than social service.

このプロジェクトは経済的利益(Rieki)だけでなく、社会的な便益(Ben'eki)も考慮している。(This project considers not only economic profit but also social benefits.)

In the business world, ben'eki is often used interchangeably with 'value' (kachi) in formal presentations. However, ben'eki is more specific about the *functional* advantage. If you say a product has 'high value', it could mean it's prestigious. If you say it has 'high ben'eki', it means it is extremely useful and solves problems efficiently. Use ben'eki to sound more analytical and meritto to sound more accessible.

科学の進歩は人類に計り知れない便益をもたらした。(The progress of science has brought immeasurable benefits to humanity.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The 'ben' in 'ben'eki' is the same 'ben' as in 'bento' (lunch box), which originally meant 'convenient' or 'handy'!

Pronunciation Guide

UK ben.e.ki

US ben.e.ki

None (Japanese pitch accent is usually flat or slightly rising on 'eki')

Rhymes With

Gen'eki (active service) Men'eki (immunity) Sen'eki (war/campaign) Ten'eki (changing liquid) Kan'eki (official profit) Kun'eki (merit) Jun'eki (net profit) Han'eki (prosperity)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'ben' like 'bean'.
Adding an 'h' sound to 'eki' (heki).
Stressing the first syllable too heavily.
Confusing the 'e' sound with 'i' (ben-iki).
Lengthening the final 'i' too much.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Kanji are common but the word is very formal and academic.

Writing 4/5

Requires knowledge of formal sentence patterns (motarasu, kyōju, etc.).

Speaking 5/5

Hard to use naturally without sounding like a textbook or official.

Listening 3/5

Common in news and documentaries, so intermediate learners will hear it.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

便利 (benri) 利益 (rieki) 費用 (hiyō) 社会 (shakai) 分析 (bunseki)

Learn Next

享受 (kyōju) 供与 (kyōyo) 評価 (hyōka) 介入 (kainyū) 福祉 (fukushi)

Advanced

外部性 (gaibusei - externality) 公共財 (kōkyōzai - public goods) 効用関数 (kōyō kansū - utility function) 限界便益 (genkai ben'eki - marginal benefit) 帰着 (kichaku - incidence/outcome)

Grammar to Know

Noun + に + 便益をもたらす

新技術は医療現場に便益をもたらす。

Noun + の + 便益を享受する

私たちは平和の便益を享受している。

Noun + にとっての + 便益

住民にとっての便益を考える。

～を目的とした便益

効率化を目的とした便益の提供。

便益が + 述語 (Verb)

便益が広く行き渡る。

Examples by Level

この公園はみんなに便益を与えます。

This park gives benefit to everyone.

Simple A gives B structure.

新しい駅はとても便益があります。

The new station is very beneficial (has benefit).

Using 'arimasu' to show existence of benefit.

図書館の便益は大きいです。

The benefit of the library is big.

Noun + no + noun structure.

インターネットは多くの便益をもたらしました。

The internet brought many benefits.

Past tense of 'motarasu'.

便益とは、いいことです。

Benefit means a good thing.

Defining a word simply.

このサービスには便益がありますか？

Is there a benefit to this service?

Question form.

私たちは便益をうけます。

We receive benefits.

Simple verb 'ukeru'.

町に便益をふやしましょう。

Let's increase benefits in the town.

Volitional 'mashō'.

新しい道路は住民に大きな便益をもたらすでしょう。

The new road will likely bring great benefit to the residents.

Using 'deshō' for future probability.

このアプリの便益を説明してください。

Please explain the benefits of this app.

Request form 'te kudasai'.

公共の便益のために働きます。

I work for the public benefit.

Using 'tame ni' for purpose.

その計画には多くの便益が含まれています。

Many benefits are included in that plan.

Passive form 'fukumarete imasu'.

利用者の便益を考えることが大切です。

It is important to think about the user's benefit.

Nominalizing with 'koto'.

この制度から便益を享受しています。

I am enjoying the benefits from this system.

Using the formal verb 'kyōju'.

便益が費用より大きければ、成功です。

If the benefit is larger than the cost, it is a success.

Conditional 'ba'.

社会的な便益を無視してはいけません。

You must not ignore social benefits.

Prohibition 'te wa ikemasen'.

政府は新空港の建設による便益を強調した。

The government emphasized the benefits of building the new airport.

Formal past tense.

そのサービスが提供する具体的な便益は何ですか？

What are the specific benefits that the service provides?

Relative clause describing 'ben'eki'.

住民は新しい公園の便益を享受している。

Residents are enjoying the benefits of the new park.

Continuous state 'te iru'.

費用便益分析の結果、プロジェクトは中止された。

As a result of the cost-benefit analysis, the project was cancelled.

Compound noun 'Hiyō Ben'eki Bunseki'.

デジタル化は、企業に多大な便益をもたらす可能性がある。

Digitalization has the potential to bring significant benefits to companies.

Using 'kanōsei' for possibility.

この政策は、弱者に便益が行き渡るように設計されている。

This policy is designed so that benefits reach the vulnerable.

Using 'yō ni' for purpose/design.

利用者の便益を最優先に考えるべきだ。

We should consider the user's benefit as the top priority.

Using 'beki da' for obligation.

便益の配分について議論が行われた。

A discussion was held regarding the distribution of benefits.

Using 'nitsuite' for topic.

インフラ整備は、長期的な経済的便益を目的としている。

Infrastructure development aims for long-term economic benefits.

Using 'mokuteki to shite iru'.

その技術の便益は、コストを正当化するのに十分だ。

The benefits of that technology are sufficient to justify the cost.

Using 'noni jūbun da'.

受益者は、その便益に見合った負担をすべきである。

Beneficiaries should bear a burden commensurate with the benefit.

Formal 'beki de aru'.

都市化による集積便益が、企業の生産性を向上させる。

Agglomeration benefits from urbanization improve corporate productivity.

Subject-object-verb with technical terms.

この契約により、双方が等しく便益を享受することになる。

According to this contract, both parties will enjoy benefits equally.

Using 'koto ni naru' for result.

環境保護の便益を金額に換算するのは難しい。

It is difficult to convert the benefits of environmental protection into monetary value.

Using 'kanzan suru' (convert).

便益が特定の層に偏らないように配慮が必要だ。

Care is needed so that benefits do not lean toward a specific group.

Using 'yō ni' with negative verb.

新薬の承認は、患者への便益とリスクを天秤にかける作業だ。

Approving a new drug is a task of weighing benefits to patients against risks.

Using 'tenbin ni kakeru' (to weigh/balance).

外部便益の存在は、政府による市場介入を正当化する根拠となる。

The existence of external benefits serves as a basis for justifying government intervention in the market.

Formal academic 'konkyo to naru'.

費用便益分析においては、非市場的な便益の評価が重要課題である。

In cost-benefit analysis, the evaluation of non-market benefits is a critical issue.

Using 'ni oite wa' for context.

公共財の提供は、社会全体の総便益を最大化することを目指す。

The provision of public goods aims to maximize the total benefit of society as a whole.

Using 'wo mezasu' for goal.

情報の非対称性が、消費者が得られるはずの便益を損なっている。

Information asymmetry is undermining the benefits that consumers should be able to obtain.

Using 'hazu' and 'sokonau'.

その開発プロジェクトの便益帰着を詳細に分析する必要がある。

It is necessary to analyze the incidence of benefits for that development project in detail.

Technical term 'ben'eki kichaku'.

この法案は、消費者便益の増進を主眼に置いている。

This bill focuses primarily on increasing consumer benefits.

Using 'shugan ni oku' (to focus on).

交通渋滞の緩和による時間節約便益は、莫大な額にのぼる。

The time-saving benefits from the reduction of traffic congestion amount to a huge sum.

Using 'ni noboru' for reaching an amount.

便益の測定手法には、依然として議論の余地がある。

There is still room for debate regarding the methods for measuring benefits.

Using 'yochi ga aru' (room for/scope for).

功利主義的な観点からは、最大多数の最大便益が究極の善とされる。

From a utilitarian perspective, the greatest benefit for the greatest number is considered the ultimate good.

Formal philosophical 'to sareru'.

社会的限界便益が社会的限界費用と一致する点で、資源配分は効率的となる。

Resource allocation becomes efficient at the point where social marginal benefit matches social marginal cost.

Using 'marginal' (genkai) in economic sense.

この政策的枠組みは、便益の公正な分配という倫理的要請に応えるものだ。

This policy framework responds to the ethical demand for the fair distribution of benefits.

Using 'mono da' for emphasis/explanation.

グローバル公共財の便益は国境を越え、全人類に波及する。

The benefits of global public goods cross borders and spread to all of humanity.

Using 'hakyū suru' (to ripple/spread).

制度設計における便益の内部化は、市場の失敗を是正する鍵となる。

The internalization of benefits in institutional design is key to correcting market failures.

Technical 'naibu-ka' (internalization).

将来の便益を現在価値に割り引く際の割引率の設定は、極めて政治的な問題である。

Setting the discount rate when discounting future benefits to present value is an extremely political issue.

Sophisticated 'waribiku' (discount).

便益享受の権利が法的に担保されていることが、近代民主主義の根幹である。

The fact that the right to enjoy benefits is legally guaranteed is the foundation of modern democracy.

Using 'tanpo' (guarantee/collateral).

技術革新の便益がもたらす構造的変化は、既存の社会秩序を再編する力を持つ。

The structural changes brought about by the benefits of technological innovation have the power to reorganize the existing social order.

Complex modifiers with 'chikara wo motsu'.

Synonyms

利益恩恵メリット便宜利点

Antonyms

不利益損失

Common Collocations

費用便益分析

便益を享受する

社会的便益

便益をもたらす

ユーザー便益

直接的便益

便益を最大化する

公共の便益

便益が及ぶ

経済的便益

Common Phrases

便益を享受する

— To receive and enjoy the advantages of a system or service. Used in formal reports.

多くの国民がその制度の便益を享受している。

便益を図る

— To take measures to provide benefit or convenience to someone. Often used in administrative contexts.

利用者の便益を図るため、営業時間を延長した。

便益を供与する

— To provide or offer benefits, often in a legal or formal capacity.

特定の企業に便宜や便益を供与することは禁じられている。

受益者負担

— The principle that those who benefit from a service should pay for it.

この施設は受益者負担の原則に基づいている。

便益の最大化

— The act of making the benefits as large as possible.

効率的な運営により、便益の最大化を目指す。

便益の帰着

— Where the benefit eventually ends up (who gets it).

便益の帰着先を明確にする必要がある。

時間節約便益

— The benefit gained from saving time (common in transport studies).

新路線の最大の便益は、時間節約便益である。

環境的便益

— Benefits related to environmental improvement.

植林活動は長期的な環境的便益をもたらす。

便益の評価

— The assessment or measurement of benefits.

新薬の便益の評価が行われている。

便益を損なう

— To damage or reduce the benefits.

過度な規制は、消費者の便益を損なう恐れがある。

Often Confused With

便益 vs 利益 (rieki)

Rieki is profit (money). Ben'eki is utility (advantage/convenience). A non-profit can have high ben'eki but zero rieki.

便益 vs 恩恵 (onkei)

Onkei is a 'blessing' often given by nature or a superior. Ben'eki is a functional benefit from a system.

便益 vs メリット (meritto)

Meritto is casual and covers any 'good point'. Ben'eki is formal and specifically refers to utility.

Idioms & Expressions

"受益者負担の原則"

— The principle that the cost of a public service should be borne by its beneficiaries.

有料道路の建設は、受益者負担の原則に基づいている。

Academic/Legal

"便宜を置く"

— To provide convenience (related to the 'ben' in ben'eki).

高齢者の利用に便宜を置く設計だ。

Formal

"利にさとる"

— To be quick to see where profit/benefit lies (related to 'eki').

彼は利にさとい商人だ。

General

"益体もない"

— Useless, of no benefit (archaic expression using 'eki').

益体もない話を延々と続ける。

Literary

"一利一害"

— Having both an advantage and a disadvantage.

どの案にも一利一害がある。

General

"利害関係者"

— Stakeholders; people with an interest (benefit/loss) in something.

利害関係者との調整が必要だ。

Business

"他山の石"

— Using others' mistakes or behavior as a benefit for one's own improvement.

他人の失敗を他山の石として、自分の成長に役立てる。

General

"漁夫の利"

— Profiting while others are fighting (related to 'eki' as gain).

二社が争っている間に、第三の会社が漁夫の利を得た。

General

"先義後利"

— Putting righteousness first and profit (benefit) second.

先義後利の精神で商売を行う。

Historical/Ethical

"実利を取る"

— To choose practical benefit over honor or appearance.

名誉よりも実利を取ることにした。

General

Easily Confused

便益 vs 便宜 (bengi)

Both start with 'ben' and relate to convenience.

Bengi is the act of providing convenience or a special favor. Ben'eki is the actual benefit/utility received.

便宜を図る (provide convenience) vs 便益を享受する (receive benefit).

便益 vs 効用 (kōyō)

Both mean 'utility' in economics.

Kōyō is more abstract and individual (psychological utility). Ben'eki is more concrete and often social/structural.

限界効用 (marginal utility) vs 社会的便益 (social benefit).

便益 vs 利得 (ritoku)

Both mean 'gain'.

Ritoku is a cold, mathematical term for 'payoff' in game theory or law. Ben'eki is more about general well-being and convenience.

期待利得 (expected payoff) vs 経済的便益 (economic benefit).

便益 vs 実益 (jitsueki)

Both end in 'eki' and mean benefit.

Jitsueki is 'practical benefit' (e.g., a hobby that also makes money). Ben'eki is 'utility' from a system or policy.

実益を兼ねる (combine with practical gain) vs 公共の便益 (public benefit).

便益 vs 利益 (rieki)

Both mean 'benefit' or 'profit'.

Rieki is the standard word for commercial profit or personal advantage. Ben'eki is the standard word for systemic utility.

純利益 (net profit) vs 利用者便益 (user benefit).

Sentence Patterns

AはBに便益をもたらす。

新しい駅は街に便益をもたらす。

Aの便益を享受する。

住民は図書館の便益を享受している。

費用便益分析の結果、～。

費用便益分析の結果、計画は見直された。

便益を最大化するために、～。

便益を最大化するために、資源を配分する。

～という便益が及ぶ。

その効果は全国に便益が及ぶ。

便益の内部化を図る。

外部性を解消し、便益の内部化を図る。

受益者負担の原則に基づき、～。

受益者負担の原則に基づき、料金を設定する。

～にとっての具体的な便益は～だ。

顧客にとっての具体的な便益は、コスト削減だ。

Word Family

Nouns

便益 (ben'eki) - Benefit/Utility

受益者 (juyekisha) - Beneficiary

利益 (rieki) - Profit

便宜 (bengi) - Convenience

便所 (benjo) - Toilet (informal, using 'ben')

Verbs

便益をもたらす (ben'eki o motarasu) - To bring benefit

便益を享受する (ben'eki o kyōju suru) - To enjoy benefit

受益する (juyeki suru) - To receive benefit

Adjectives

便利な (benri-na) - Convenient

有益な (yūeki-na) - Beneficial/Useful

無益な (mueki-na) - Useless/Futile

費用 (hiyō) - Cost

分析 (bunseki) - Analysis

公共 (kōkyō) - Public

効用 (kōyō) - Utility

福祉 (fukushi) - Welfare

How to Use It

frequency

Common in news, business documents, and academic writing. Rare in casual speech.

Common Mistakes

Using 'ben'eki' for personal feelings. → この映画を見るメリットは...
You don't get 'ben'eki' from a movie; that's too formal. Use 'meritto' or 'tanoshimi'.
Saying 'ben'eki suru'. → 便益をもたらす / 便益を享受する
Ben'eki is a noun and cannot be turned into a suru-verb directly.
Confusing 'ben'eki' with 'rieki' in accounting. → 今期の利益は...
For financial profit, always use 'rieki'. 'Ben'eki' is for utility.
Using 'ben'eki' with friends. → これ、便利だね！
Using 'ben'eki' in a casual chat sounds robotic. Use 'benri' or 'ii'.
Using 'ben'eki' for 'blessings of nature'. → 自然の恩恵
'Onkei' is for blessings/grace. 'Ben'eki' is for functional utility.

Tips

Use in Reports

When writing a business proposal, use 'ben'eki' to describe the value your solution provides. It sounds more analytical than 'meritto'.

Pair with Kyōju

To say 'receive benefits' formally, use '便益を享受する' (ben'eki o kyōju suru). This is a standard high-level colocation.

Learn the Analysis

Memorize '費用便益分析' as a single block. It is a very common term in news and business.

Ben'eki vs Rieki

If there's no money involved but it's still good for people (like a public park), use 'ben'eki'. If it's about cash, use 'rieki'.

The Meaning of Eki

The kanji 益 (eki) means profit or gain. You see it in many words like 有益 (useful) and 利益 (profit). Focus on this to understand the 'gain' aspect.

Public Good

In Japan, 'ben'eki' is often associated with the 'public good'. Using it shows you understand the collective benefit rather than just individual gain.

Functional Value

Think of 'ben'eki' as 'functional value'. It's not about how something feels, but how it works to provide an advantage.

Essay Tip

In JLPT essays about technology or society, use '社会的便益' to argue for the positive impact of a development.

News Keyword

When you hear 'ben'eki' on the news, the speaker is likely justifying a large project or a new law.

Professionalism

If you are asked 'Why should we do this?' in a meeting, starting with 'その便益は...' sounds very professional and persuasive.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'BENefit' that makes things 'EKI-tra' (extra) easy. Ben + Eki = Benefit and Ease.

Visual Association

Imagine a bridge connecting two islands. The bridge itself is the 'ben' (convenience) and the time saved is the 'eki' (gain). The whole thing is 'ben'eki'.

Word Web

便益 (ben'eki) 費用 (hiyō) 分析 (bunseki) 受益者 (juyekisha) 有益 (yūeki) 無益 (mueki) 便利 (benri) 利益 (rieki)

Challenge

Try to write a sentence about how your favorite app provides 'ben'eki' to your life without using the word 'money'.

Word Origin

Comes from Middle Chinese. '便' (ben) originally meant 'convenience' or 'at ease'. '益' (eki) originally meant 'to increase' or 'overflow' (as in a vessel overflowing), which evolved to mean 'profit' or 'benefit'.

Original meaning: Increasing convenience or providing ease and gain.

Sino-Japanese (Kango)

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but using it in casual settings can make you sound cold or overly intellectual.

In English, 'benefit' is much more common and less formal. English speakers might say 'the benefits of sleep,' but Japanese speakers would rarely use 'ben'eki' for that.

Japanese Government White Papers (Keizai Hakusho) Cost-Benefit Analysis guidelines by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) Utilitarian philosophy texts translated into Japanese (功利主義)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Public Infrastructure

インフラの便益
地域住民の便益
交通の便益
便益を試算する

Economic Analysis

費用便益分析
純便益
経済的便益
便益の最大化

Business Strategy

ユーザー便益
顧客の便益
便益をアピールする
サービス固有の便益

Environmental Policy

環境的便益
社会的便益
便益を享受する
将来世代の便益

Legal/Administrative

便益の供与
受益者負担
便益を保護する
公共の便益

Conversation Starters

"この新しいシステムのユーザー便益は何だとお考えですか？ (What do you think the user benefit of this new system is?)"

"費用便益分析の結果はどうなりましたか？ (What were the results of the cost-benefit analysis?)"

"そのプロジェクトは、地域社会にどのような便益をもたらしますか？ (What kind of benefits does that project bring to the local community?)"

"受益者負担の原則について、どう思われますか？ (What are your thoughts on the beneficiary-pays principle?)"

"今回の法改正で、消費者の便益は増えるのでしょうか？ (Will consumer benefits increase with this legal amendment?)"

Journal Prompts

あなたの住んでいる街で、最も便益をもたらしている公共施設は何ですか？その理由を書いてください。(What public facility in your town brings the most benefit? Write the reason.)

新しいテクノロジー（AIなど）が社会にもたらす便益とリスクについて論じてください。(Discuss the benefits and risks that new technology like AI brings to society.)

仕事や勉強で新しいツールを導入する際、どのような便益を期待しますか？(What benefits do you expect when introducing a new tool in your work or studies?)

「費用便益分析」は個人の人生の決断にも役立つと思いますか？(Do you think 'cost-benefit analysis' is useful for personal life decisions?)

あなたが最近「便益を享受している」と感じるサービスについて説明してください。(Describe a service you feel you are 'enjoying the benefits of' lately.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

While not grammatically wrong, it sounds very strange and overly formal. For exercise, use 'meritto' (merit) or 'yoi kōka' (good effect). 'Ben'eki' is usually for things like infrastructure or policies.

The most common technical phrase is '費用便益分析' (Hiyō ben'eki bunseki), which means 'Cost-Benefit Analysis.' In general formal Japanese, '便益をもたらす' (to bring benefit) is very frequent.

Yes, it frequently appears in the N2 and N1 levels, particularly in the reading section where you encounter formal articles, editorials, or business-related texts.

You can say 'ユーザー便益' (yūzā ben'eki) or '利用者便益' (riyōsha ben'eki). Both are common in business and product design contexts.

Yes, by definition, 'ben'eki' is a positive utility or advantage. The negative counterpart is '不利益' (furieki) or '弊害' (heigai).

Yes, it is often used in contracts and terms of service to describe the advantages or services a party is entitled to receive.

'Onkei' implies a sense of gratitude for a blessing (like from nature), whereas 'ben'eki' is a cold, objective term for utility or functional advantage.

No, it is only a noun. To use it in a verbal sense, you must add a verb like 'motarasu' (bring) or 'kyōju suru' (receive/enjoy).

Almost never. It is a 'written' or 'formal speech' word. Using it with friends would make you sound like you are giving a government lecture.

It means 'beneficiary'—the person who receives the 'ben'eki'. The 'ju' (受) means 'receive' and 'eki' (益) comes from 'ben'eki'.