Japanese word

利害

Pronunciation

Romajirigai

Meaning

  • nouninterests

Example

彼らは利害が対立しています。kare ra wa ri gai ga tai ritsu shi te i ma su

Their interests are in conflict.

Illustration for 利害 (interests)

More examples

交渉では双方の利害を明確にすることが大切です。kō shō de wa sō hō no ri gai o mei kaku ni su ru ko to ga tai setsu de su

It is important to clarify both sides' interests in negotiations.

Core concept

Describes the gains and losses that influence a person or group's position in a matter.

Common phrases

  • 利害が一致するri gai ga it chi su ru

    interests align

  • 利害が対立するri gai ga tai ritsu su ru

    interests conflict

  • 利害を調整するri gai o chō sei su ru

    reconcile interests

Similar words

損得sontoku: The gains and losses involved in a matter.
利益rieki: A benefit or gain obtained from a situation or activity.
得失tokushitsu: The advantages and disadvantages that arise from a matter.

Definition in Japanese

人や組織が得る利益と受ける損害、または両者に関係する事情。hito ya so shiki ga e ru ri eki to u ke ru son gai ma ta wa ryō sha ni kan kei su ru ji jō

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese word 利害 (rigai) combines 利 (ri, "benefit") with 害 (gai, "harm"), so its meaning covers both sides of an outcome.

Usage tips

  • In discussions of policy or business, 利害 (rigai) often points to competing concerns rather than personal preferences or hobbies.

Other meanings

  • advantages and disadvantagesnoun
  • stakesnoun

Word lists with this word