Japanese Conversation · Level 133
60 words
Japanese word
甲斐
Pronunciation
Romajikai
Meaning
- nounworth
Example
努力した甲斐がありました。do ryoku shi ta kai ga a ri ma shi ta
The effort was worth it.
More examples
毎日練習した甲斐があって、発表で落ち着いて話せました。mai nichi ren shū shi ta kai ga a tte hap pyō de o chi tsu i te hana se ma shi ta
My daily practice paid off, and I was able to speak calmly at the presentation.
Core concept
Describes the value or satisfying result that comes from an effort, action, or experience.
Common phrases
甲斐があるkai ga a ru
be worth it
努力した甲斐があるdo ryoku shi ta kai ga a ru
be worth the effort
苦労した甲斐があるku rō shi ta kai ga a ru
be worth the trouble
Similar words
価値kachi: The importance or usefulness that makes something worth having or doing.
報いmukui: A reward or return that follows an effort or action.
Definition in Japanese
努力や苦労をした結果として感じられる価値や効果。do ryoku ya ku rō o shi ta kek ka to shi te kan ji ra re ru ka chi ya kō ka
Word origin
甲斐 (kai) is a conventional kanji spelling of the native Japanese word かい (kai), whose older form かひ (kahi) referred to value or result.
Usage tips
- 生き甲斐 (ikigai) has entered English as ikigai, although its Japanese use covers anything that gives life value or a reason to live.