Translation guide
The English word 'award' can refer to a prize, an honor, or the act of giving something officially. In Japanese, different words and phrases are used depending on whether you mean a physical prize, a formal honor, or the action of granting something.
Referring to a physical object given as a prize, such as a trophy, medal, or certificate.
General term for a prize or award. Can be used for most types of awards (e.g., trophies, certificates, medals).
He received the top award.
This award is given to outstanding students every year.
Specifically a prize item, often a physical object or gift. Used when emphasizing the tangible reward.
Loanword for 'trophy'. Used specifically for a trophy award.
Referring to an honor, title, or recognition that is not necessarily a physical object, such as an Academy Award or a lifetime achievement award.
Same word as above, but used for honors like the Nobel Prize or Academy Award. Context clarifies it's not a physical object.
Referring to the action of officially giving something, such as a prize, contract, or degree.
Formal verb meaning 'to award' or 'to confer'. Used for prizes, degrees, medals, etc.
Referring to a court or authority officially granting something, such as damages in a lawsuit or a contract.
In Japanese, the concept of 'award' is often expressed with specific words like 賞 (prize) or 表彰 (commendation). Using a direct translation like アワード (awādo) is possible but sounds like a loanword and is less natural in many contexts.
賞 (shō) is the general term for an award or prize, while 賞品 (shōhin) specifically refers to the physical prize item. Use 賞 for honors like the Nobel Prize, and 賞品 when emphasizing the tangible reward.
She won an award for her research.
優勝者には賞品として時計が贈られた。
The winner was given a watch as an award.
彼女はトロフィーを高く掲げた。
She held the award trophy high.
彼はノーベル平和賞を受賞した。
He received the Nobel Peace Prize award.
The Academy Award is the most prestigious award in the film industry.
Means 'honor' or 'glory'. Used for prestigious awards that bring great honor, often in formal contexts.
The award became the highest honor for him.
Refers to public recognition or commendation, often in a ceremony. Can be an award for achievement or service.
She received an award for her years of service.
The university awarded him an honorary degree.
The award is presented by the judges.
General verb meaning 'to give'. Can be used for awarding, but less formal than 授与する. Often used in compound verbs like 賞を与える.
It was decided to award him the prize.
Means 'to present' or 'to give as a gift'. Used when an award is given as a gift or token of appreciation.
The gold medal was awarded to the winner.
In legal contexts, means 'to grant' or 'to allow'. Used for awarding damages, claims, etc.
The court awarded damages to the plaintiff.
Also used in legal contexts, but less formal than 認める. Often seen in phrases like 契約を与える (award a contract).
The government awarded the contract to that company.
The judge awarded custody to the mother.