1.
reward; recompense
Something received in return for good deeds or effort. A positive outcome that comes as a result of one's actions.
努力の報いだ。
It's the reward for hard work.
長年の努力がようやく報いを受けた。
Years of effort finally received their reward.
あなたの親切にはいつか必ず報いがあるでしょう。
Your kindness will surely be rewarded someday.
2.
retribution; punishment; consequence
Negative consequences that come as a result of bad deeds or wrongdoing. Often carries a sense of karmic justice.
これは悪事の報いだ。
This is retribution for wrongdoing.
嘘をついた報いを受けた。
He suffered the consequences of lying.
人を裏切った報いは必ず自分に返ってくる。
The consequences of betraying others will always come back to you.
USAGE:
Can refer to both positive rewards and negative consequences. Sense 2 is particularly common and carries a strong nuance of karmic justice or inevitable punishment. Often used in moral or philosophical contexts.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 報いを受ける (to receive one's reward/punishment)
- 努力の報い (reward for effort)
- 悪事の報い (retribution for wrongdoing)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 報酬: remuneration, compensation (more concrete, financial)
- 罰: punishment (direct and imposed, not karmic)
- 因果応報: karmic retribution (four-character idiom)