Translation guide
A payment given for professional services that are rendered nominally without charge, or for which a fee is not legally required. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through specific terms depending on the context, such as academic lectures, medical services, or general professional courtesy.
A fee paid to a guest speaker, lecturer, or academic for a talk or service that is not part of their regular salaried work.
The most common and general term for an honorarium, literally 'gratitude money'. Used widely for payments to lecturers, panelists, or professionals for one-time services.
I received an honorarium for the lecture.
A slightly more formal or abbreviated form of 謝礼金. Often used in written contexts or when the monetary aspect is implied.
We presented a book card as an honorarium.
Specifically a fee for a lecture or speech. More direct than 謝礼金, but less common in everyday use.
The honorarium for the lecture will be paid at a later date.
A fee paid to a doctor or medical expert for a consultation, examination, or service that is not covered by standard medical fees or insurance.
A small payment given as a gesture of thanks for services that are officially free or voluntary, such as serving on a committee or providing advice.
A payment to an artist, writer, or performer for a contribution that is not a standard commercial transaction.
Specifically a fee for a manuscript or written contribution. Common for articles, essays, or books.
I received an honorarium for the magazine article.
A performance fee, used for actors, musicians, or speakers appearing at events. Can be considered an honorarium if the event is non-commercial.
謝礼金 is a one-time payment for a specific service, often voluntary or outside regular employment. 給料 is a regular salary for ongoing work. Using 給料 for an honorarium would be incorrect.
The honorarium for the lecture is separate from salary.
The English word 'honorarium' does not have a single direct equivalent in Japanese. Using オノラリウム (a direct transliteration) is not understood. Always choose a context-appropriate term like 謝礼金 or 講演料.
Technically refers to medical service fees, but can be used in contexts where an honorarium is paid for medical services outside insurance. More formal and bureaucratic.
This medical fee is not covered by insurance.
It's just a small token, but please accept it.
I declined the honorarium for the charity event performance.