(みかえ)りを(もと)める

みかえりをもとめる
expression
to expect something in return; to seek a reward
1. to expect something in return; to seek a reward or favor back
To do something while expecting a benefit, favor, or compensation in return. 見返(みかえ)り means a return favor or reward.
見返(みかえ)りを(もと)めない。
to not expect anything in return.
(かれ)見返(みかえ)りを(もと)めて手伝(てつだ)ったようだ。
It seems he helped expecting something in return.
本当(ほんとう)親切(しんせつ)とは、見返(みかえ)りを(もと)めずに(ひと)(たす)けることだ。
True kindness means helping people without expecting anything in return.

見返(みかえ)り (a return, recompense) + を(もと)める (to seek). Describes acting out of self-interest, expecting a favor, payment, or advantage back. It is often used in the negative — 見返(みかえ)りを(もと)めない praises selfless behavior.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 見返(みかえ)りを(もと)めずに: without expecting anything in return
  • 見返(みかえ)りとして: in return for

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 見返(みかえ)り: a return favor, compensation — the noun on its own
  • 報酬(ほうしゅう)(もと)める: to seek payment — specifically a monetary reward