ichidan verb, transitive verb, intransitive verb
Used for returning a favor, kindness, or effort with something positive. Often appears in the passive form 報われる when describing the recipient's perspective.
See also: 報われる
彼の努力はいつか報いられるだろう。
His efforts will be rewarded someday.
恩に報いるために全力を尽くした。
I did my best to repay the kindness.
ichidan verb, transitive verb, intransitive verb
Used for returning a wrong with a negative action; often implies a deliberate payback. Common in phrases like 恨みに報いる or 仇に報いる.
彼は侮辱に報いるために訴訟を起こした。
He filed a lawsuit to retaliate for the insult.
敵に報いる覚悟はできている。
I am prepared to get revenge on my enemy.