noun
favor; obligation; debt of gratitude
Refers to a favor received that creates a sense of indebtedness or obligation. Often used in expressions like 恩を受ける, 恩を返す, or 恩に着る.
彼には大きな恩がある。
I owe him a great debt of gratitude.
いつかこの恩を返したい。
I want to repay this favor someday.
noun
Focuses on the goodwill or kind act itself, without necessarily emphasizing the resulting obligation. Common in phrases like 恩を施す or 恩を感じる.
彼の恩に深く感謝している。
I am deeply grateful for his kindness.
恩を仇で返すようなことはしたくない。
I don't want to return kindness with ingratitude.