1.
benefit, profit
Something that is advantageous.
社会の益になる。
It benefits society.
益がある。
There is a benefit.
読書は自分の益になる。
Reading is beneficial for oneself.
2.
advantage
A favorable position or condition.
公益のために働く。
To work for the public good.
それは何の益もない。
That is of no benefit whatsoever.
有益な情報を集める。
To gather useful information.
益 means benefit, profit, or advantage. Often appears in compound words rather than standalone.
COMMON COMPOUNDS:
- 利益: profit, benefit, gain
- 有益: beneficial, useful, instructive
- 無益: useless, futile, pointless
- 公益: public interest, common good
- 収益: earnings, proceeds
- 損益: profit and loss
- 実益: practical benefit
COMMON EXPRESSIONS:
- 益々: more and more, increasingly
- 益になる: to be beneficial
- 益がある: there is benefit
- 益がない: there is no benefit
WORD FORMATION:
The kanji 益 carries the meaning of "increase" or "profit." It appears in many formal and business contexts.
RELATED WORDS:
- 得: gain, advantage (everyday)
- 利点: advantage, merit
- 利: profit, benefit