りえきをえる
expression
to make a profit; to gain a benefit
formalbusinessbusinessmoney
1. to make a profit; to earn a return
To come out financially ahead from a business, sale, or investment.
会社(かいしゃ)(おお)きな利益(りえき)()た。
The company made a large profit.
土地(とち)()って利益(りえき)()たそうだ。
I hear they made a profit by selling the land.
The only way to make a profit without raising prices is to review costs.
2. to gain a benefit; to profit from something
To obtain an advantage that need not be monetary — a favorable position, useful information, or an improved situation. Often used when pointing out who stands to gain from an arrangement.
(だれ)利益(りえき)()だろう
Who stands to benefit, I wonder?
Only a small number of people benefit from this system.
They hope to conclude the negotiations in a way that lets both countries benefit.

A set phrase pairing 利益(りえき) (profit, benefit) with () (to obtain). () is a written-style verb, so the phrase belongs to news reporting, business writing, and formal speech; in conversation people say (もう)かる or (とく)をする instead.

Common patterns

  • ...から利益(りえき)()る: to profit from ...
  • (おお)きな利益(りえき)()る: to make a large profit
  • 不当(ふとう)利益(りえき)()る: to obtain an improper gain

Similar words

  • 利益(りえき)()げる: to raise profits — focuses on the company's own performance
  • (もう)かる: to be profitable — casual and intransitive; the money-maker is the subject
  • (とく)をする: to come out ahead — casual, everyday advantage rather than accounted profit