甲斐
kai
In Japanese, 甲斐 (kai) means the worth or benefit derived from an effort, used to say that something was worth doing.
The term 甲斐 is typically attached to a noun representing an action or a state to indicate the value derived from that specific action (e.g., 苦労甲斐 – worth the hardship).
How do you pronounce it?
kai
Did you know?
- The word 甲斐 is etymologically linked to the verb kau, which means 'to exchange' or 'to replace'. This implies that the 'worth' of an effort is viewed as the thing you receive in exchange for your energy.
- The word 甲斐 is a key component of the expression 甲斐性 (kaisei), which refers to a person's reliability or 'grit'. In Japanese, having 'kaisei' means you are a person whose efforts are guaranteed to yield results.
- While 'kai' refers to the benefit of an action, it is often used in the negative to express that an effort was completely futile, such as in the phrase 甲斐がない (kai ga nai), meaning 'worthless'.
Examples in context
- 初めまして、私は櫂と申します。Nice to meet you, my name is Kai.
- ご挨拶申し上げます。私の名前は海と申します。Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Kai.
- 友達：「おはよう、カイ！元気だった？」Friend: "Good morning, Kai! How are you doing?"
- 友達：「かいちゃん、来週の飲み会に参加する？」Friend: "Kai-chan, will you join us for the party next week?"
- 読む甲斐があるIt is worth reading.
- 練習した甲斐がありました。Renshuu shita kai ga arimashita.It was worth the practice.
- 苦労した甲斐があったね。Kurou shita kai ga atta ne.The hardship was worth it, wasn't it?
- 頑張った甲斐があったよ。Ganbatta kai ga atta yo.It was worth the effort I put in.
Example conversation
Misaki and Hiroto are looking at a beautiful view after hiking a mountain.
- 美咲 Misakiやっと頂上に着いたね。Yatto choujou ni tsuita ne.We finally reached the summit.
- 大翔 Hirotoこの景色は登った甲斐があるよ。Kono keshiki wa nobotta kai ga aru yo.This view makes the climb worth it.
- 美咲 Misaki本当に、頑張って良かった。Hontou ni, ganbatte yokatta.Truly, I'm glad we worked hard.
- 大翔 Hiroto最高の達成感だね。Saikou no tasseikan da ne.It's the best sense of achievement.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 甲斐, CC BY-SA 4.0.
