営利

• Reading: えいり
• Romaji: eiri
• Kanji breakdown: 営 (ei/itona) — manage, run, operate; 利 (ri) — profit, benefit
• Pronunciation: /e.i.ɾi/

Meaning

Profit-making; commercial; done for the purpose of generating profit. Used to distinguish commercial activities from non-profit ones.

A noun most commonly encountered in the compound 営利目的 (eiri-mokuteki — for-profit purpose) or contrasted with 非営利 (hi-eiri — non-profit). In Japanese law, 営利法人 (profit-making legal entity) and 非営利法人 (NPO) are distinct categories. The term itself carries no negative connotation — it is simply a legal and definitional distinction.

Examples

1. この団体は非営利目的で設立されており、配当は行わない。 This organisation was established for non-profit purposes and does not pay dividends.
2. 営利目的での無断転載は著作権法に違反する。 Unauthorised reproduction for commercial purposes violates copyright law.
3. 社会課題の解決と営利の両立を目指すビジネスモデルが注目されている。 Business models that aim to simultaneously address social issues and generate profit are attracting attention.

Usage Guide

Context: legal, business, NPO sector, contracts

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 営 (ei — manage, operate) and 利 (ri — profit, benefit). Together they define the practice of managing or running something for profit.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Professional