Japanese word

有利

Pronunciation

Romajiyūri

Meaning

  • na-adjectiveadvantageous

Example

早く始めるほうが有利です。haya ku haji me ru hō ga yū ri de su

Starting early is more advantageous.

Illustration for 有利 (advantageous)

More examples

早く申し込むと、有利です。haya ku mō shi ko mu to yū ri de su

You have an advantage if you apply early.

Core concept

Expresses the idea that circumstances work in someone's favor and make a desired result easier to achieve.

Common phrases

  • 有利な立場yū ri na tachi ba

    an advantageous position

  • 有利な条件yū ri na jō ken

    favorable conditions

  • 有利に働くyū ri ni hatara ku

    work to one's advantage

Similar words

得toku: Offers a gain or advantage in a particular situation.
好都合kōtsugō: Makes circumstances convenient or favorable for a particular purpose.

Definition in Japanese

物事を進めるうえで、条件がよく、利益を得やすいこと。mono goto o susu me ru u e de jō ken ga yo ku ri eki o e ya su i ko to

Word origin

The compound 有 (yū, "having") and 利 (ri, "benefit") refers to having a beneficial position or condition.

Usage tips

  • When English better means a more favorable choice or condition, Japanese can use 有利 (yūri), while quality-based better normally needs 優れている (sugurete iru).

Opposites

Related words

  • 有利さyūrisaadvantagenoun

Word lists with this word