便宜

• Reading: べんぎ
• Romaji: bengi
• Kanji breakdown: 便 (ben) — convenience, ease; 宜 (gi) — suitable, proper
• Pronunciation: /beɴ.ɡi/

Meaning

Convenience; accommodation; a favour or arrangement made for someone's benefit.

A noun describing practical convenience or special accommodation. Often used in the phrase 便宜を図る (to arrange for someone's convenience) and 便宜上 (for convenience's sake). Can carry connotations of preferential treatment or backroom dealings in political contexts.

Examples

1. 便宜上、名前はアルファベット順にしましょう。 For convenience's sake, let's put the names in alphabetical order.
2. 取引先に便宜を図ったとして社長が批判された。 The company president was criticized for giving special treatment to a business partner.
3. 出張者のために宿泊の便宜を提供する。 We provide accommodation for business travelers.

Usage Guide

Context: business, politics, administration, logistics

Tone: professional

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 便 (ben, convenience/ease) + 宜 (gi, suitable/proper). Literally 'conveniently suitable,' describing arrangements that serve practical purposes.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Adults

Social background: Professional