Translation guide
The English word "merit" can refer to the inherent value, worth, or advantages of something, or to a praiseworthy quality or achievement. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for these concepts, from formal evaluations to everyday judgments.
Expressing the positive aspects, benefits, or strong points of something.
A common, neutral word for an advantage or merit. Suitable for both spoken and written contexts.
What are the merits of this plan?
His proposal has several merits.
Refers to a strong point or merit, often used when comparing pros and cons or evaluating people/things.
The merit of this car is its good fuel efficiency.
His merit is his sincerity.
A loanword from English, commonly used in business or casual contexts to mean advantage or benefit. Often contrasted with デメリット (demerit/disadvantage).
What are the merits of this system?
Literally 'beautiful point', used for a virtue or admirable quality, often in literary or formal contexts.
The merit of his character is his generosity.
Describing the inherent value or excellence of something, often in formal or evaluative contexts.
The most general word for value or worth. Can be used for both tangible and intangible merit.
The merit of this artwork is immeasurable.
His research has high academic merit.
True worth or real merit, often used when something's value is not immediately obvious or is finally recognized.
Merit in the sense of achievement or contribution, often used for someone's accomplishments.
Referring to a morally good or admirable trait in a person.
Expressing that someone or something merits a particular treatment, reward, or attention.
A formal pattern meaning 'to be worthy of' or 'to merit'. Used with nouns or verbs.
His efforts merit praise.
This book merits a read.
An idiomatic expression meaning 'it's no wonder' or 'it's not for nothing', implying that the merit is evident from the result.
An adjective meaning 'suitable' or 'worthy', often used to say someone merits a role or honor.
利点 is a neutral, slightly formal word for advantage or merit, often used in explanations. 長所 specifically refers to a strong point, often in contrast to 短所 (weak point). メリット is a casual loanword frequently used in business or everyday conversation, often paired with デメリット.
English often uses 'merit' as a verb (e.g., 'This merits attention'). In Japanese, use patterns like 〜に値する or adjectives like ふさわしい instead of trying to find a single verb equivalent.
The proposal has both merits and demerits.
She got the promotion on merit.
Here 'on merit' is naturally expressed as 実力で (based on ability/merit).
His true merit is revealed in difficult times.
彼は科学の発展に多大な功績を残した。
He left great merit in the development of science.
He is a person of high merit.
His success is merited. / No wonder he succeeded.
He merits that award.