1.
favor, kindness, obligation
A benefit or kindness received from someone that creates a sense of indebtedness.
先生の恩は忘れません。
I will never forget my teacher's kindness.
恩を仇で返す。
To repay kindness with ingratitude.
Common idiom for betrayal
親の恩に報いる。
To repay one's parents' kindness.
子供の頃に受けた恩を、大人になってから返したい。
I want to repay the kindness I received as a child, now that I am an adult.
2.
debt of gratitude
The feeling of obligation to repay kindness received.
先生の恩は忘れません。
I will never forget my teacher's kindness.
恩を仇で返す。
To repay kindness with ingratitude.
Common idiom for betrayal
親の恩に報いる。
To repay one's parents' kindness.
命の恩がある人を裏切ることはできない。
I cannot betray someone to whom I owe my life.
子供の頃に受けた恩を、大人になってから返したい。
I want to repay the kindness I received as a child, now that I am an adult.
恩 refers to a favor or kindness received that creates a sense of obligation. It is an important concept in Japanese culture.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 恩を受ける (to receive a favor)
- 恩を感じる (to feel indebted)
- 恩に報いる (to repay a favor)
- 恩を忘れない (to never forget someone's kindness)
- 恩を返す (to repay a favor)
IDIOMS:
- 恩を仇で返す (repay kindness with ingratitude)
- 恩に着る (to feel obligated for a favor)
COMPOUND WORDS:
- 恩人 (benefactor)
- 恩返し (returning a favor)
- 恩恵 (grace, blessing)
CULTURAL NOTE: The concept of 恩 is central to Japanese social relationships, emphasizing the importance of reciprocity and gratitude.
Related Words
Related:
恩人 (benefactor)