恩返し

• Reading: おんがえし
• Romaji: ongaeshi
• Kanji breakdown: 恩 (on) — grace, favour, obligation; 返 (hen/kae) — return, repay
• Pronunciation: /oŋ.ɡa.e.ɕi/

Meaning

Returning a favour; repaying kindness; showing gratitude through action.

A compound noun combining 恩 (grace, indebtedness) and 返し (returning). Central to Japanese social ethics, reflecting the deeply cultural obligation to reciprocate acts of care or generosity. Often used in contexts of mentorship, parenting, or support.

Examples

1. 先生へのせめてもの恩返しとして、後輩の指導を続けている。 As at least a small way of repaying my teacher, I continue to mentor my juniors.
2. 親への恩返しができるうちにしてあげたい。 I want to repay my parents while I still can.
3. 留学中に助けてくれた人たちへの恩返しを考えている。 I am thinking about how to repay the people who helped me during my time studying abroad.

Usage Guide

Context: family, mentorship, gratitude

Tone: warm

Origin & History

Compound of 恩 (on — grace, debt of gratitude, from Chinese 恩) and 返し (kaeshi — returning). The concept is central to Japanese ethics of obligation (on-giri).

Cultural Context

Era: Traditional-Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal