見返り

• Reading: みかえり
• Romaji: mikaeri
• Kanji breakdown: 見 (ken/mi) — see, look; 返 (hen/kae) — return, give back
• Pronunciation: /mi.ka.e.ɾi/

Meaning

Return; reward; compensation; something received in exchange for an action. Also: collateral or counter-security for a loan.

Used in both neutral and slightly negative senses: a legitimate return for services rendered, or a transactional reward implying quid pro quo. 見返りを求める (to seek compensation) can suggest mercenary motivation. In financial contexts it can mean collateral or counter-security. In political contexts it often carries a negative implication of corrupt exchange.

Examples

1. 何の見返りも求めずに支援してくれた友人に感謝する。 I am grateful to a friend who helped me without expecting anything in return.
2. 融資の見返りとして担保を要求された。 Collateral was demanded in return for the loan.
3. 政治献金の見返りに便宜を図ったとして疑惑が浮上した。 Suspicions emerged that favours had been granted in return for political donations.

Usage Guide

Context: finance, business, social, politics

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Derived from 見返る (to look back at someone who has turned away; to look in return). The metaphor evolved from the physical act of turning back to look, to receiving something in return for what one has given.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical to Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal