冥利

• Reading: みょうり
• Romaji: myōri
• Kanji breakdown: 冥 (myō/mei) — the unseen, divine; 利 (ri) — benefit, profit, advantage
• Pronunciation: /mjoː.ɾi/

Meaning

Divine grace or blessing; the fortune of being in a privileged role. Most commonly used in the set phrase 〜冥利に尽きる, meaning 'one could not ask for more as a 〜.'

A noun expressing profound gratitude for the invisible blessing or privilege inherent in one's role or circumstances. The phrase 〜冥利に尽きる is a standard expression of humble reverence: 役者冥利に尽きる ('the greatest blessing for an actor'), 教師冥利に尽きる ('a teacher's supreme honour'). Originally a Buddhist concept referring to unseen divine reward for one's deeds.

Examples

1. こんなにも多くの人に支えられ、役者冥利に尽きる思いだ。 Being supported by so many people—it's the greatest blessing an actor could ask for.
2. 長年育てた生徒が賞を受けたとき、教師冥利に尽きると感じた。 When the student he had nurtured for years won an award, he felt it was the ultimate reward of being a teacher.
3. 弟子たちが世界で活躍する姿を見て、師匠冥利に尽きると確信した。 Seeing his disciples thriving on the world stage, he was certain it was the highest honor a master could know.

Usage Guide

Context: formal speech, ceremony, expression of gratitude

Tone: reverent

Origin & History

From 冥 (myō, relating to the unseen or divine realm) and 利 (ri, 'benefit, profit'). Originally a Buddhist term referring to invisible divine reward for one's virtuous deeds.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical-Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated