奖

• Pinyin: jiǎng
• Hanzi breakdown: 奖 = 大 (big) + 将 (phonetic) — simplified from 獎, suggesting great encouragement and praise

Meaning

To award; prize; reward. Describes both the act of giving recognition and the recognition itself.

Used as both a verb meaning to award or reward someone, and as a noun referring to a prize or award. Common in contexts related to competitions, achievements, and recognition. Appears in many compounds: 奖金 (bonus), 奖学金 (scholarship), 奖品 (prize item), 获奖 (to win an award), and 颁奖 (to present an award).

Examples

1. 他在比赛中表现很好，得了一个大奖。 He performed very well in the competition and won a big prize.
2. 这个奖是给最努力的学生的。 This prize is for the most hardworking student.
3. 老师决定奖给每个孩子一本书。 The teacher decided to award each child a book.

Usage Guide

Context: competitions, school, workplace

Tone: positive

Do Say

• 公司每年都会奖优秀员工。(The company awards outstanding employees every year.)
• 他得了一个大奖。(He won a big prize.)

Don't Say

• 奖你一个惩罚 (Don't pair 奖 with negative things — 奖 is strictly for positive rewards; use 罚 for punishment)

Origin & History

Simplified from 獎, composed of 大 (big) and 将 (phonetic component). Originally referred to encouraging and praising someone for good deeds.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal