lei6 jik1利益
Jyutpinglei6 jik1
Yaleleih yīk
Definition
Benefit, interest, or profit, often referring specifically to material or financial gain.
neutralmoneywork
How it's used
While 利益 is a standard term for abstract benefits or legal interests, it often carries a slightly formal or serious tone in daily speech. When referring to casual, tangible advantages or perks, native speakers frequently prefer the colloquial term 着數. Using 利益 in a casual social setting can sometimes make you sound like you are discussing a legal contract or a political dispute.
Examples
He only thinks about his own interests when working.
What benefit does this business deal have for everyone?
Related words
Common phrases
conflict of interest
to fight for one's interests
Common mistake
Do not confuse 利益 with 益處, as the latter is strictly for positive outcomes or health benefits, whereas 利益 is almost always linked to personal gain, money, or power dynamics.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
