益|えきeki[0]heiban (flat)

1. nounbenefit; use; good; advantage; gain
   労ろうなくして益えきなし。↗

   No pain, no gain.
2. nounprofit; gains

• Synonym利益りえきNeutralThe most common word for benefit, covering both advantages and profits. 「益」 on its own is more literary, seen in 「益がない」 and 「公益」.
• Synonym利得りとくWrittenGain or profit acquired, mostly in legal and economic contexts; also the amplification of a circuit.
• SynonymベネフィットNeutralLoanword for a benefit, common in marketing and medical contexts; everyday speech prefers 「利益」 or 「メリット」.
• Synonym便宜べんぎNeutralConvenience or expediency, as in 「便宜を図る」; the focus is on giving someone accommodation.
• Synonym得とくNeutralCommon in speech for a bargain or gain, as in 「得をする」; the opposite of 「損」.
• Synonym効用こうようNeutralUse and effect, also utility in economics; stresses practical effect.
• Synonym益金えききんWrittenAn accounting and tax term for the revenue and gains a business records; 「益」 means benefits in general.
• SynonymゲインNeutralLoanword for gain, mostly in electronics and investing; rare in daily use.
• Synonym利りWrittenA single character for profit or benefit, also interest; mostly in set phrases like 「地の利」 and 「漁夫の利」.
• Synonym利潤りじゅんNeutralAn economics term for a firm's profit, revenue minus expenses; 「益」 is benefit in general.
• Synonym便益べんえきWrittenConvenience and benefit together, mostly in administrative and economic writing, e.g. 「費用便益分析」.
• Synonym裨益ひえきWrittenTo benefit or help, rare even in writing, as in 「社会に裨益する」.
• Related有益ゆうえきNeutralA na-adjective meaning beneficial or useful, as in 「有益な情報」; 「益」 is a noun.
• Related恩恵おんけいNeutralA blessing or favor received, as in 「自然の恩恵」; the focus is on the side that receives it.
• Related効能こうのうNeutralThe efficacy of medicines, hot springs and the like; 「益」 covers benefits in general.
• Related福利ふくりNeutralWelfare, well-being plus benefit, usually as 「福利厚生」; concerns employees or members of society.
• Related冥利みょうりNeutralLuck or blessings that come with one's position, often as 「役者冥利に尽きる」.
• RelatedプラスNeutralLoanword for plus or a positive number, figuratively a benefit, as in 「プラスになる」; common in speech.
• Related恩おんNeutralA favor received from another that carries a duty to repay; 「益」 is just the benefit itself.
• Related特典とくてんNeutralSpecial perks for buyers, members or participants, as in 「購入特典」; 「益」 is benefit in general.
• Related効こうWrittenEfficacy, mostly in 「効を奏する」; stresses the effect showing results.
• Related妙味みょうみWrittenSubtle charm or appeal, also an extra benefit or sweetener; written style.
• RelatedアドバンテージNeutralLoanword for an advantage or favorable position, also a sports rule term; not about gains.
• Related恩沢おんたくWrittenFavor bestowed by gods, Buddhas or a lord; archaic written style, not used in daily life.
• Related恵沢けいたくWrittenA blessing, found mainly in legal texts, e.g. 「自由のもたらす恵沢」.
• Antonym損そんNeutralA loss or being worse off; the antonym of both 「益」 and 「得」.
• Antonym害がいNeutralHarm or damage; the opposite of 「益」 as something beneficial.

For benefits or gains in general, 「利益」 is the everyday default, covering both advantages and profits; for a bargain or coming out ahead, say 「得」. 「益」 on its own is literary, seen in 「益がない」, 「無益」 and 「公益」. The opposites are 「損」 (a loss) and 「害」 (harm).

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

1. 人ひとや世の中よのなかの役やくに立たつこと。ためになること。
2. 利益りえき。もうけ。