恩返し (ongaeshi) is a beautiful and culturally significant concept in Japanese. It refers to the act of repaying a kindness or favor that one has received. It's not just about simple reciprocation, but often implies going above and beyond to show gratitude. This concept is deeply rooted in Japanese society, reflecting a strong sense of community and mutual support. You'll often see it in stories, dramas, and everyday interactions, where people strive to acknowledge and return good deeds.
恩返し 30秒了解
- repaying kindness
- returning a favor
- gratitude and obligation
§ Understanding 恩返し (ongaeshi)
The Japanese word 恩返し (ongaeshi) is a noun that means 'repaying a kindness or favor'. It's a concept deeply ingrained in Japanese culture, reflecting the importance of reciprocity and gratitude. You'll hear this word in many situations, from casual chats to formal speeches. It's about acknowledging help you've received and actively looking for a way to return that good deed. It’s not just about paying back a debt; it's about showing sincere appreciation and maintaining harmonious relationships.
§ 恩返し (ongaeshi) in the workplace
In a professional setting, 恩返し (ongaeshi) comes up when someone has helped you out with a project, offered mentorship, or provided valuable advice. It's common to express your intention to return the favor. This helps build strong working relationships and a positive team environment.
- DEFINITION
- Repaying a kindness or favor.
部長にはいつもお世話になっているので、いつか恩返しがしたいです。
Translation hint: "My manager always helps me, so I want to repay the kindness someday."
今回のプロジェクトの成功は彼のおかげです。必ず恩返しします。
Translation hint: "The success of this project is thanks to him. I will definitely return the favor."
§ 恩返し (ongaeshi) in school and daily life
At school, students might talk about 恩返し (ongaeshi) in relation to their teachers or senior students who have guided them. In daily life, it's used when talking about family, friends, or even neighbors who have shown kindness.
先生にはたくさんのことを教えていただいたので、卒業したら恩返しがしたいです。
Translation hint: "My teacher taught me so much, so I want to repay their kindness after graduation."
いつも支えてくれる両親に、早く恩返しがしたいと思っています。
Translation hint: "I hope to repay my parents, who always support me, soon."
§ 恩返し (ongaeshi) in news and media
You might also encounter 恩返し (ongaeshi) in news reports or interviews, especially when public figures or athletes talk about giving back to their communities or supporters. It emphasizes a sense of duty and appreciation.
彼は地域の支援に恩返しするため、チャリティーイベントを開催しました。
Translation hint: "He held a charity event to repay the support of the community."
It's more than just 'thank you' – it implies action.
It shows a strong sense of gratitude and responsibility.
Often used when someone feels indebted to another person or group.
Alright, let's talk about 恩返し (ongaeshi) and how to avoid tripping up when using it. While the concept of 'repaying kindness' might seem straightforward, there are a few nuances that often catch learners off guard. Pay attention to these, and you'll sound much more natural.
§ Mistake 1: Confusing 恩返し with simple reciprocation
The biggest mistake people make is thinking 恩返し is just about returning any favor. It's not. 恩返し carries a much deeper sense of gratitude and obligation. It's about acknowledging a significant kindness, often one that went above and beyond, and feeling a strong desire to return that generosity. If someone just buys you a coffee, you don't typically say you'll do an 恩返し. You'd use something simpler like お礼 (orei - thanks) or お返し (okaeshi - a return gift/favor).
友達に恩返しをするために、何か特別なことをしてあげたい。
Hint: I want to do something special for my friend to repay their kindness.
§ Mistake 2: Using it for transactional exchanges
You wouldn't use 恩返し for a business transaction or something where there's an expected exchange of goods or services. It's not about quid pro quo in a commercial sense. If you pay for a service, that's not 恩返し; it's payment. 恩返し is reserved for acts of generosity that aren't expected to be compensated monetarily or through a direct, equivalent exchange.
困っている人を助けるのは、恩返しの気持ちからです。
Hint: Helping people in need comes from a feeling of repaying kindness.
§ Mistake 3: Overusing it or using it too casually
Because 恩返し carries significant weight, it's not something you throw around lightly. Using it for minor courtesies can sound overly dramatic or even insincere. Reserve it for genuine, impactful acts of kindness that have truly helped you or someone else.
彼女はいつも私を支えてくれたので、いつか必ず恩返ししたい。
Hint: She always supported me, so I definitely want to repay her kindness someday.
§ Mistake 4: Not understanding the active nature of 恩返し
恩返し isn't a passive concept. It implies an active intention to do something in return. It's not just about feeling grateful, but about taking action. The '返し' (kaeshi) part literally means 'return' or 'give back'. You 'do' an 恩返し (恩返しをする - ongaeshi o suru).
- Common phrases you'll hear:
- 恩返しをする (ongaeshi o suru): To repay a kindness
- 恩返しがしたい (ongaeshi ga shitai): I want to repay a kindness
- 恩返しのために (ongaeshi no tame ni): For the sake of repaying a kindness
By keeping these points in mind, you'll be able to use 恩返し accurately and appropriately, showing a deeper understanding of Japanese culture and communication.
难度评级
Two kanji, both common (恩 and 返).
Relatively straightforward to write after learning the individual kanji.
Pronunciation is standard and easy for English speakers.
Clear pronunciation, easy to distinguish.
接下来学什么
前置知识
接下来学习
高级
需要掌握的语法
The particle 「に」 (ni) is often used with "恩返し" to indicate the person or entity to whom the kindness is being repaid. For example, 「恩返しに」 (ongaeshi ni) means "in return for kindness" or "to repay a kindness."
私は母に恩返しをしたいです。 (Watashi wa haha ni ongaeshi o shitai desu.) - I want to repay my mother's kindness.
「恩返しをする」 (ongaeshi o suru) is a common verb phrase meaning "to repay a kindness." The verb 「する」 (suru) means "to do."
彼は彼女に恩返しをしました。 (Kare wa kanojo ni ongaeshi o shimashita.) - He repaid her kindness.
「恩返し」 can be used with various verbs depending on the specific action of repayment. For instance, 「恩返しを考える」 (ongaeshi o kangaeru - to think about repaying kindness) or 「恩返しを探す」 (ongaeshi o sagasu - to look for a way to repay kindness).
何か恩返しができることを探しています。 (Nanika ongaeshi ga dekiru koto o sagashite imasu.) - I am looking for something I can do to repay the kindness.
When talking about specific acts of repayment, you can use the structure 「〜でお返しをする」 (〜 de okaeshi o suru) where 「〜」 is the action or thing used to repay the kindness. While not directly using "恩返し", it expresses a similar concept of returning a favor.
プレゼントでお返しをしました。 (Purezento de okaeshi o shimashita.) - I repaid the favor with a present.
The concept of "恩返し" often implies a sense of gratitude and obligation. It's a culturally important idea in Japan, emphasizing the importance of returning favors.
恩返しは日本の大切な文化です。 (Ongaeshi wa Nihon no taisetsu na bunka desu.) - Repaying kindness is an important Japanese culture.
按水平分级的例句
恩返ししたいです。
I want to repay your kindness.
感謝の気持ちを恩返しで示します。
I will show my gratitude by repaying the kindness.
恩返しする機会を探しています。
I'm looking for an opportunity to return the favor.
これは恩返しの一部です。
This is part of my repayment of kindness.
いつか恩返しします。
I will repay you someday.
恩返しはとても大切なことです。
Repaying kindness is a very important thing.
友達に恩返しをしました。
I returned the favor to my friend.
彼の恩返しに感動しました。
I was moved by his repayment of kindness.
恩返しのために、彼女の仕事を手伝った。
I helped her with her work to return her kindness.
いつか恩返ししたいと思っています。
I hope to repay your kindness someday.
これは彼への恩返しの気持ちです。
This is my way of showing gratitude to him.
困った時に助けてくれたので、恩返しをしたい。
Since you helped me when I was in trouble, I want to repay your kindness.
恩返しとして、何かできることはありませんか？
As a token of my gratitude, is there anything I can do for you?
彼の親切に恩返しをする機会を探している。
I'm looking for an opportunity to repay his kindness.
恩返しは、日本人にとって大切な考え方です。
Repaying kindness is an important concept for Japanese people.
卒業後、先生に恩返しをしたいと考えている。
After graduation, I'm thinking of repaying my teacher's kindness.
私は彼に助けてもらった恩返しに、何かできることはないかと思っています。
I'm thinking about what I can do to repay him for his help.
子供の頃の恩返しとして、今は親孝行をしています。
As a way to repay the kindness from my childhood, I am now being good to my parents.
この成功は、支えてくれた人たちへの恩返しだと思っています。
I believe this success is my way of repaying those who supported me.
困っている人を助けることが、社会への恩返しになる。
Helping people in need is a way to repay society.
いつか必ず恩返しをすると、心に誓いました。
I swore to myself that I would definitely repay the kindness someday.
彼の親切に対する恩返しとして、夕食をご馳走しました。
As a thank you for his kindness, I treated him to dinner.
このプロジェクトを成功させることが、チームへの恩返しになるだろう。
Succeeding in this project will be a way to repay the team.
私は彼の大きな恩に報いるため、全力を尽くしています。
I am doing my best to repay his great kindness.
句型
〜に恩返しをする (〜ni ongaeshi o suru)
両親に恩返しをしたいです。(Ryōshin ni ongaeshi o shitai desu.)
恩返しになる (ongaeshi ni naru)
この仕事が、お世話になった方への恩返しになると思います。(Kono shigoto ga, osewa ni natta kata e no ongaeshi ni naru to omoimasu.)
恩返しとして (ongaeshi to shite)
先生への恩返しとして、ボランティア活動に参加しました。(Sensei e no ongaeshi to shite, borantia katsudō ni sanka shimashita.)
恩返しをするために (ongaeshi o suru tame ni)
彼は地域社会への恩返しをするために、会社を設立しました。(Kare wa chiiki shakai e no ongaeshi o suru tame ni, kaisha o setsuritsu shimashita.)
恩返しができる機会 (ongaeshi ga dekiru kikai)
いつか彼に恩返しができる機会があれば嬉しいです。(Itsuka kare ni ongaeshi ga dekiru kikai ga areba ureshii desu.)
如何使用
恩返し (ongaesshi) is more than just returning a favor; it carries the nuance of heartfelt gratitude and a desire to repay kindness. It's often used when someone has gone out of their way to help you, and you feel compelled to reciprocate their generosity. It's not a transactional exchange but an emotional one. Think of it as 'paying it forward' in a more direct, reciprocal sense.
A common mistake is to use 恩返し for simple, everyday favors that don't carry a significant emotional weight. For example, if someone holds a door open for you, you wouldn't typically say you want to do 恩返し. It's reserved for more substantial acts of kindness. Also, while you can 'make' 恩返し (恩返しをする), it's more natural to talk about the feeling or the act itself as 恩返し.
小贴士
Basic Meaning of Ongaeshi
Understand that 恩返し (ongaeshi) literally means 'returning a favor' or 'repaying kindness'. It's about acknowledging and responding to good deeds done for you. Think of it as a reciprocal action.
Pronunciation Practice
Practice pronouncing on-ga-e-shi. The 'n' is like the 'n' in 'run', and 'gae' is like 'guy-eh'. Pay attention to the rhythm; Japanese words often have a more even stress.
Cultural Importance
In Japanese culture, 恩返し is a deeply ingrained concept. It's not just about obligation but also a heartfelt expression of gratitude and respect. It strengthens social bonds.
Usage in Context
You'll often hear this in situations where someone has received significant help or support. For example, 'お世話になった人に恩返ししたい' (Osewa ni natta hito ni ongaeshi shitai) means 'I want to repay the kindness of those who have helped me'.
Beyond Financial Debt
While it can involve money, 恩返し often refers to non-material favors. It could be helping someone move, offering advice, or simply being there during a difficult time. It's about moral debt.
Related Vocabulary: 'On' (恩)
The 'on' (恩) in 恩返し means 'favor' or 'kindness'. It's a key concept in understanding Japanese social dynamics. Recognizing 'on' is the first step to performing 恩返し. Think of it as indebtedness.
Not Always Immediate
While 恩返し implies repayment, it doesn't always have to be immediate. It can be a long-term commitment to showing gratitude. Don't feel pressured to repay instantly; the thought and eventual action are key. It's about long-term appreciation.
Simple Example Sentence
彼の親切に恩返ししたいです。(Kare no shinsetsu ni ongaeshi shitai desu.) - I want to repay his kindness. This shows a direct desire to perform 恩返し.
Another Example Sentence
いつか恩返しできるといいな。(Itsuka ongaeshi dekiru to iina.) - I hope I can repay the favor someday. This expresses a future intention.
Role in Storytelling
恩返し is a common theme in Japanese folklore and stories, often featuring animals or supernatural beings repaying kindness to humans. This highlights its cultural significance in promoting good deeds.
记住它
记忆技巧
Think of someone saying 'Oh, I'll pay back!' when they receive a kindness. 'Ongaeshi' sounds a bit like 'Oh, I'll pay back, she says.'
视觉联想
Imagine a person bowing deeply, offering a beautifully wrapped gift to someone who helped them. The gift symbolizes the 'repayment' of the kindness. The person is saying 'Ongaeshi!'
Word Web
挑战
You helped a friend move, and they bought you dinner. What is your friend doing? (Hint: They are doing 恩返し.)
自我测试 48 个问题
友達が助けてくれた。いつか彼に___したい。
「恩返し」は受けた親切や好意を返すことを意味します。
母の日に、感謝の気持ちを込めて___をした。
母への感謝の気持ちを表す行為として「恩返し」が適切です。
困っている人を助けるのは、昔の親切への___だ。
過去に受けた親切に対して、別の形で親切を返すことを「恩返し」と言います。
彼はいつも私を助けてくれるので、何か___をしたい。
助けてもらったことへの感謝の気持ちを行動で示すのが「恩返し」です。
困った時はお互い様。いつか私が___する番だ。
「困った時はお互い様」という文脈で、相手が助けてくれたことに対して「恩返し」をする番だという意味になります。
先生には大変お世話になったので、いつか必ず___をしたい。
お世話になった先生への感謝の気持ちを込めて、何か良い行いをすることが「恩返し」です。
What is 恩返し in this context?
What is the speaker going to do now?
What is the speaker looking for?
Read this aloud:
助けてくれた友人に恩返しをしたいです。
Focus: おんがえし (on-ga-e-shi)
你说的：
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
お世話になった人に恩返しをするのは大切です。
Focus: たいせつ (tai-set-su)
你说的：
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
いつか必ず恩返しをします。
Focus: かならず (ka-na-ra-zu)
你说的：
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
あなたにとって「恩返し」とは何ですか？短い文で説明してください。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
私にとって恩返しは、誰かに親切にされたら、その人に感謝の気持ちを行動で示すことです。
友達が困っているとき、あなたはどのように「恩返し」をしますか？具体的に書いてください。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
友達が困っているときは、話を聞いたり、できることがあれば手伝ったりして恩返しをします。
あなたが「恩返し」をしたい人は誰ですか？そして、どうして恩返しをしたいですか？
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
私は家族に恩返しをしたいです。いつも私を助けてくれるからです。
この人は友達に何をしますか？
Read this passage:
先日、友達が引っ越しを手伝ってくれました。とても大変だったので、本当に助かりました。今度、お礼にご飯をごちそうしようと思っています。これは私からの恩返しです。
この人は友達に何をしますか？
文章に「お礼にご飯をごちそうしようと思っています」とあります。
文章に「お礼にご飯をごちそうしようと思っています」とあります。
AさんはBさんに何をしたいですか？
Read this passage:
A: 昨日はありがとう！本当に助かったよ。 B: いいえ、どういたしまして。困った時はお互い様だよ。 A: 今度、何か困ったことがあったら、私も恩返しするからね。
AさんはBさんに何をしたいですか？
Aさんが「私も恩返しするからね」と言っていることから、助けてもらったお礼をしたいと考えていることがわかります。
Aさんが「私も恩返しするからね」と言っていることから、助けてもらったお礼をしたいと考えていることがわかります。
この人は誰に恩返しをしたいと思っていますか？
Read this passage:
私は小さい頃、先生によく勉強を教えてもらいました。そのおかげで、今の私があります。だから、いつか先生に何か恩返しがしたいと思っています。
この人は誰に恩返しをしたいと思っていますか？
文章に「先生に何か恩返しがしたいと思っています」と明記されています。
文章に「先生に何か恩返しがしたいと思っています」と明記されています。
This sentence means 'I want to repay him for his kindness.' The particle 'に' indicates the recipient of the action, and 'を' marks the direct object.
This means 'This is a thank-you gift.' '恩返しの' modifies 'プレゼント' (present), showing its purpose.
This translates to 'I will repay the favor someday.' 'いつか' means 'someday,' and 'します' is the polite form of 'to do.'
Think about what you want to do for someone who always helps you.
What do people often want to do after receiving a favor?
Consider the cultural significance of repaying kindness in Japan.
Read this aloud:
お世話になった方々に恩返しをしたいです。
Focus: おんがえし (ongaeshī)
你说的：
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
彼は私に恩返しをしてくれました。
Focus: してくれました (shitekuremashita)
你说的：
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
いつか必ず恩返しをします。
Focus: 必ず (kanarazu)
你说的：
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
You received a lot of help from a friend when you were in trouble. Write a short message (2-3 sentences) to them expressing your desire to repay their kindness. Use 恩返し.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
この間は本当にありがとう。いつか必ず恩返しさせてくださいね。困った時は私も力になりたいです。 (Thank you so much the other day. Please let me repay your kindness someday. I want to help you when you're in trouble too.)
Imagine a situation where you had a chance to repay a kindness someone showed you before. Describe what happened in 2-3 sentences, using 恩返し.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
以前、先輩に助けてもらったので、今度は私が先輩の仕事を手伝って恩返ししました。少しは役に立てたかな。 (My senior helped me before, so this time I helped them with their work as a way to repay their kindness. I wonder if I was of some use.)
Write a sentence using 恩返し that expresses the feeling of wanting to do something good for your parents because of everything they've done for you.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
両親には感謝してもしきれないので、これから少しずつ恩返ししていきたいです。 (I can't thank my parents enough, so I want to repay their kindness little by little from now on.)
What does person A want to do for person B?
Read this passage:
A: 田中さん、いつもありがとうございます。この前は本当に助かりました。 B: いえいえ、お互い様ですよ。困った時は助け合うのが一番です。 A: でも、いつか必ず恩返しさせてくださいね。私にできることがあれば、何でも言ってください。 B: 気持ちだけで十分ですよ。
What does person A want to do for person B?
Person A explicitly says 「いつか必ず恩返しさせてくださいね。」 (Please let me repay your kindness someday).
Person A explicitly says 「いつか必ず恩返しさせてくださいね。」 (Please let me repay your kindness someday).
Based on the passage, what is the meaning of 恩返し?
Read this passage:
「恩返し」は、誰かから受けた親切や好意に対して、自分も相手に何か良いことをして感謝の気持ちを表すことです。例えば、助けてもらった友達に何か手伝ってあげたり、お世話になった先生にお礼を言ったりする行動がこれにあたります。
Based on the passage, what is the meaning of 恩返し?
The passage states 「誰かから受けた親切や好意に対して、自分も相手に何か良いことをして感謝の気持ちを表すことです。」 (It is to express gratitude by doing something good in return for kindness or favor received from someone).
The passage states 「誰かから受けた親切や好意に対して、自分も相手に何か良いことをして感謝の気持ちを表すことです。」 (It is to express gratitude by doing something good in return for kindness or favor received from someone).
What is the narrator doing as an 恩返し for the grandmother?
Read this passage:
私は小さい頃、近所のおばあちゃんによく面倒を見てもらいました。学校からの帰り道におやつをくれたり、宿題を見てくれたり。大人になった今、私はそのおばあちゃんの家に時々行って、庭の手伝いをしています。これも私なりの恩返しだと思っています。
What is the narrator doing as an 恩返し for the grandmother?
The narrator says 「私はそのおばあちゃんの家に時々行って、庭の手伝いをしています。」 (I sometimes go to that grandmother's house and help her with her garden).
The narrator says 「私はそのおばあちゃんの家に時々行って、庭の手伝いをしています。」 (I sometimes go to that grandmother's house and help her with her garden).
This sentence means 'I want to repay him for his kindness.' The particles and word order create a natural Japanese sentence.
This sentence translates to 'This is a repayment of friendship.' 'これは' means 'this is', '友情の' means 'of friendship', and '恩返しです' means 'it is a repayment of kindness.'
This means 'I want to do something to repay the kindness.' '何か' (something) is followed by '恩返しがしたい' (want to repay a kindness).
困っている時に助けてもらったので、いつか彼に___したい。
「恩返し」は受けた恩や親切に対してお礼をすることを意味します。この文脈では、助けてもらったことに対するお礼なので、恩返しが適切です。
両親の長年の苦労に報いるために、私たちは必ず___をします。
「恩返し」は、誰かから受けた恩や親切に対して、感謝の気持ちを表す行動や態度を指します。両親の苦労に報いる、という意味で使われます。
地域社会への___として、ボランティア活動に参加しています。
地域社会から受けた恩恵に対して何かを返す、という意味で「恩返し」が適切です。
彼女は困難な時期に支えてくれた友人たちに、いつか必ず___と誓った。
友人から受けた支えや親切に対して、お礼を返すという意味で「恩返し」が最も自然です。
彼は先生の教えを忘れず、社会に貢献することで___をしようとしている。
先生から受けた教えという恩に対して、社会貢献という形で感謝の気持ちを返すという意味で「恩返し」が適切です。
災害時に受けた温かい支援に、住民たちは___を心に誓った。
災害時に受けた支援という「恩」に対して、何かを返すという意味で「恩返し」が適切です。
/ 48 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
恩返し is about returning a kindness, showing gratitude, and fulfilling an obligation to someone who has helped you.
- repaying kindness
- returning a favor
- gratitude and obligation
Basic Meaning of Ongaeshi
Understand that 恩返し (ongaeshi) literally means 'returning a favor' or 'repaying kindness'. It's about acknowledging and responding to good deeds done for you. Think of it as a reciprocal action.
Pronunciation Practice
Practice pronouncing on-ga-e-shi. The 'n' is like the 'n' in 'run', and 'gae' is like 'guy-eh'. Pay attention to the rhythm; Japanese words often have a more even stress.
Cultural Importance
In Japanese culture, 恩返し is a deeply ingrained concept. It's not just about obligation but also a heartfelt expression of gratitude and respect. It strengthens social bonds.
Usage in Context
You'll often hear this in situations where someone has received significant help or support. For example, 'お世話になった人に恩返ししたい' (Osewa ni natta hito ni ongaeshi shitai) means 'I want to repay the kindness of those who have helped me'.
例句
いつかあなたに恩返しをしたい。
相关内容
更多family词汇
還暦
B160th birthday (celebration of completing a 60-year cycle).
〜くらい
B1About; approximately; to the extent that.
認め合う
B1To recognize each other's worth; to acknowledge.
知人
B1Acquaintance.
顔見知り
A2Acquaintance; someone you know by sight.
甘える
B1To be spoiled, to fawn; to behave like a pampered child.
活発な
B1Active; lively; vigorous.
思春期
B1Adolescence; the period of transition from childhood to adulthood.
養子
B1Adopted child; a child taken into one's family by legal means.
養親
B2Adoptive parent.
