便利 vs 重宝
Japanese word comparison
Listen to 便利
Listen to 重宝
| 便利 | 重宝 |
|---|---|
BEN-ri adjective | ちょうほう adjective |
| useful; convenient | handy; very useful; appreciated for convenience |
How they differ
重宝 suggests that something is especially handy, valued, or frequently used because it saves effort. Compared with 便利, it often carries a slightly stronger sense that the item is particularly practical and worth keeping around.
When to use each
When to use 便利: Use 便利 for a broad, neutral statement that something is convenient.
When to use 重宝: Use 重宝 when you want to emphasize that something is especially handy and useful in daily life.
Side-by-side examples
- この駅は乗り換えに便利です。
(This station is convenient for changing trains.) - この小さな工具はとても重宝する。
(This small tool is very handy.)
Register & nuance: 重宝 is common in both speech and writing, but it often sounds a bit more appreciative and specific than 便利.