勋章

• Pinyin: xūn zhāng
• Hanzi breakdown: 勋 = 熏 + 力 (smoke/effort — extended to merit and achievement); 章 = 音 + 十 (sound + ten — a structured piece, extended to a badge or emblem)

Meaning

Medal; decoration; order. A badge or medal awarded for distinguished service, bravery, or outstanding achievement.

Used in military, governmental, and ceremonial contexts. China's highest state medals include the 共和国勋章 (Medal of the Republic). In broader usage, 勋章 can be used metaphorically to describe any mark of honour or achievement. Distinct from 奖章 (prize medal, e.g. Olympic medal) which focuses on competition.

Examples

1. 在国庆庆典上，多位为国家作出杰出贡献的科学家和英雄模范被授予了最高级别的国家勋章，以表彰其卓越功勋。 At the National Day ceremony, many scientists and model heroes who made outstanding contributions to the country were awarded the highest national medal to honor their exceptional achievements.
2. 这枚锈迹斑斑的勋章是他祖父在抗战时期立功受奖的历史见证，被家人视为无价之宝代代珍藏。 This rust-covered medal is a historical testament to the award his grandfather earned for meritorious service during the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, and the family treasures it as a priceless heirloom.
3. 勋章不仅是个人荣誉的象征，更代表着国家对那些在关键时刻挺身而出、为国家和人民牺牲奉献者的最高认可。 A medal is not only a symbol of personal honor; it also represents the nation’s highest recognition of those who step forward at critical moments and make sacrifices for the country and its people.

Usage Guide

Context: military, government, national ceremonies, history

Tone: solemn

Do Say

• 国家主席在人民大会堂向十位荣获共和国勋章的杰出人士颁奖，场面庄严肃穆，全国各地民众通过电视直播观看了整个授勋仪式。(The President presented awards to ten distinguished recipients of the Medal of the Republic at the Great Hall of the People; the occasion was solemn and dignified, with people across the country watching the entire medal ceremony via live television broadcast.)
• 博物馆内陈列着一批来自不同历史时期的珍贵勋章，每一枚背后都承载着一段可歌可泣的英雄故事，令参观者肃然起敬。(The museum displays a collection of precious medals from different historical periods; behind each one lies a stirring heroic story that fills visitors with deep reverence.)

Don't Say

• 我在游戏里得到了一枚勋章 — in gaming contexts use 徽章, 奖章, or 成就 instead; using 勋章 for video game achievements is not incorrect but sounds excessively solemn and mismatches the register of casual gaming conversation

Origin & History

勋 (meritorious service/achievement) + 章 (badge/seal/chapter) — a badge awarded for meritorious achievement

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal