Positive outcome or compensation for one's actions, often in a moral or karmic sense. Can be used in both concrete and abstract contexts.
Negative consequence or punishment for one's actions, often implying a moral or karmic payback. Frequently used in phrases like 報いを受ける (to receive one's just deserts).
The reward for his effort finally appeared.
Good deeds are always rewarded.
As a reward for his efforts, he was promoted.
As retribution for his crimes, he went to prison.
You should face the consequences of your actions.
If you do evil deeds, you will eventually receive your just deserts.
If you make an effort, there will surely be a reward.
God gives good people their due reward.
報酬 is a concrete reward or remuneration, typically for work or services, whereas 報い can be abstract and karmic.
天罰 specifically refers to divine or heavenly punishment, while 報い covers broader karmic consequences, both positive and negative.
reward; recompense; repay · retaliate; get revenge
Standard kanji spelling; used in both reward and punishment senses.
Rare variant kanji; not commonly used in modern Japanese.
Derived from the verb 報いる (mukuiru, 'to reward, to repay'). The noun form 報い carries the sense of recompense, both positive and negative.