報(むく)い

むくい
noun
reward; retribution; consequence
abstract
See also: 報(むく)いる (verb form)
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(どりょく)の報(むく)いだ。
It's the reward for hard work.
長年(ながねん)の努力(どりょく)がようやく報(むく)いを受(う)けた。
Years of effort finally received their reward.
あなたの親切(しんせつ)にはいつか必(かなら)ず報(むく)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(あくじ)の報(むく)いだ。
This is retribution for wrongdoing.
嘘(うそ)をついた報(むく)いを受(う)けた。
He suffered the consequences of lying.
人(ひと)を裏切(うらぎ)った報(むく)いは必(かなら)ず自分(じぶん)に返(かえ)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

Similar words

Related Words

Synonym: 報酬(ほうしゅう) (remuneration (concrete))
Related: 罰(ばつ) (punishment (imposed))
Compare: 因果応報(いんがおうほう) (karmic retribution)
Compare: 代償(だいしょう) (compensation, price to pay)
Compare: 天罰(てんばつ) (divine punishment)
general
Added 2026.3.8 16:32 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
15500/15680_mukui