賞

• Reading: しょう
• Romaji: shou
• Kanji breakdown: 賞 (shou) — prize, award, reward
• Pronunciation: /ɕoː/

Meaning

Prize; award; reward. Recognition given for achievement or excellence.

A noun and suffix referring to awards, prizes, or honours. Extremely common as a suffix in award names: ノーベル賞 (Nobel Prize), 芥川賞 (Akutagawa Prize), グランプリ賞 (Grand Prix). Also used standalone in phrases like 賞をもらう (to receive a prize) and 賞を取る (to win a prize).

Examples

1. 彼女は去年、文学賞を受けた。 She received a literary award last year.
2. コンクールで一等賞を取った。 I won first prize at the competition.
3. この映画は多くの賞にノミネートされた。 This movie has been nominated for many awards.

Usage Guide

Context: awards, competitions, achievements

Tone: positive

Origin & History

Composed of the shell radical 貝 (treasure, money) and 賞 upper component meaning 'above, reward.' Originally related to bestowing valuable gifts as recognition.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal