Translation guide
The top prize in a competition, typically a physical medal made of or colored gold. In Japanese, it is most commonly expressed with the borrowed term 金メダル, but native terms and symbolic expressions also exist.
金メダル
gold medal
Referring to the actual medal awarded for first place.
The standard, most common term for a gold medal in any competition. Used in sports, academic contests, etc.
彼はオリンピックで金メダルを獲得した。
He won a gold medal at the Olympics.
金メダルを首にかけてもらった。
I had a gold medal placed around my neck.
A slightly more descriptive phrase, literally 'medal of gold'. Less common than 金メダル but still natural.
優勝者には金のメダルが贈られます。
A gold medal is presented to the winner.
In some contexts, especially in older or more formal writing, the kanji 金 alone can be used to refer to a gold medal, but this is rare and ambiguous.
彼は金を取った。
He took the gold.
Using 'gold medal' figuratively to mean the top position or highest achievement.
The most direct way to say 'win a gold medal' or 'take the gold'. Can be used literally or figuratively.
彼女はスピーチコンテストで金メダルを取った。
She won the gold medal in the speech contest.
Means 'to win a championship' or 'to take first place'. Often used when the prize is a gold medal, but focuses on the victory itself.
彼は世界選手権で優勝した。
He won the world championship (and got the gold medal).
Literally 'become first place'. A straightforward way to express achieving the top rank, often implying a gold medal.
彼はマラソンで一位になった。
He came in first in the marathon.
Referring to the person who won the gold medal.
A direct borrowing from English 'gold medalist'. Commonly used in sports contexts.
彼はオリンピックの金メダリストだ。
He is an Olympic gold medalist.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'the person who won the gold medal'. More casual and explanatory.
金メダルを取った人はインタビューを受けていた。
The person who won the gold medal was being interviewed.