有利

• Reading: ゆうり
• Romaji: yuuri
• Kanji breakdown: 有 (yuu) — have, exist; 利 (ri) — benefit, advantage
• Pronunciation: /jɯː.ɾi/

Meaning

Advantageous; favourable. Describes a position or condition that gives a benefit or edge.

A na-adjective used for competitive, strategic, or comparative situations: 有利な条件 (favourable conditions), 有利な立場 (an advantageous position). Common with に standing for (有利に進める, to proceed advantageously). The opposite is 不利 (disadvantageous).

Examples

1. 経験者のほうが就職に有利だ。 Having experience gives you an advantage in job hunting.
2. 彼のチームは試合で有利な立場にいる。 His team is in an advantageous position in the game.
3. 外国語ができると仕事で有利になる。 Being able to speak a foreign language gives you an edge at work.

Usage Guide

Context: business, sports, career

Tone: strategic

Origin & History

Compound of 有 (yuu, to have/exist) and 利 (ri, benefit/advantage). Together, 'having benefit' — a state of possessing an edge over others.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal