How to say "merit" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 価値かちnounCovers the sense of merit as worth or value — how valuable something is. Use it when judging the value of a thing, idea, or work, not when listing advantages.
- nounThe go-to loanword for merit as an advantage or benefit, often contrasted with demerits. Use it in discussions of pros and cons of plans, products, or choices.
- 取り柄とりえnounCovers merit as a personal good point or redeeming quality. It is used of people, as in what someone has going for them, and can sound humble or self-deprecating.
- 実力じつりょくnounRarely the word you want for merit; it really means real ability or true strength. Use it only when merit means demonstrated capability, as in selection by ability rather than status.
- 長所ちょうしょnounCovers merit as a strong point or virtue, the natural counterpart to a weak point. Use it when describing the good qualities of a person, method, or thing.
Use 「メリット」 or 長所 for an advantage or good point, 「取り柄」 for a personal strong point, 価値 for worth or value, and 実力 only for true ability or strength.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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