Translation guide
The English word 'bonus' can refer to extra money from work, an unexpected benefit, or a special feature included with a product. Japanese uses different words depending on the context.
membership perk
A sum of money added to an employee's regular salary, often as a reward or seasonal payment.
The most common and direct equivalent for a work bonus. Used for seasonal bonuses (summer/winter) and performance bonuses.
I plan to go on a trip with my summer bonus.
This year's bonus was smaller than last year's.
A more formal term for a bonus, often used in business or official contexts. Can refer to any extra payment beyond regular salary.
A special allowance or extra payment, sometimes used for one-time bonuses or hardship allowances.
A positive extra that comes from a situation, not necessarily money.
Something extra given for free, like a freebie or a little something thrown in. Often used for small, tangible extras.
This snack comes with a bonus sticker.
I bought a lot, so they threw in a little extra.
A privilege or special benefit, often used for membership perks, credit card rewards, or promotional extras.
Added value, often used in business or product descriptions to mean a bonus feature.
An additional item or feature included with a purchase, often as a promotion.
Used for bonus items or services included with a purchase, like pre-order bonuses or limited-time offers.
You can get original goods as a pre-order bonus.
A free extra item, often small and tangible, like a toy in a kids' meal or a sample.
ボーナス is the everyday word for a work bonus. 賞与 is more formal and often appears in contracts or official documents. In casual conversation, stick with ボーナス.
How much was your bonus?
Bonuses are paid twice a year.
ボーナス is almost exclusively for monetary bonuses from work. For a free extra item or unexpected benefit, use おまけ or 特典 instead. Saying ボーナス for a free sticker sounds unnatural.
The company gave me a bonus.
As a bonus, I got a free dessert.
This credit card has great bonus points.
賞与は業績に応じて支給されます。
Bonuses are paid according to performance.
I heard there's a special bonus for this project.
会員になると、様々な特典が受けられます。
If you become a member, you can receive various bonuses.
Something extra, an added bonus. Often used for intangible benefits or additional value beyond the expected.
Gaining experience is a bonus of this job.
このソフトには翻訳機能が付加価値としてついています。
This software comes with a translation feature as a bonus.
The magazine came with a bonus pouch.