Translation guide
A flat piece of metal, often with a design, given as an award or to commemorate an event.
A medal given for achievement in sports, military service, or competitions.
The most common word for a medal in sports and competitions. A loanword from English.
彼はオリンピックで金メダルを取った。
He won a gold medal at the Olympics.
メダルを首にかけてもらった。
I had a medal hung around my neck.
A formal medal or decoration, often for military or civil merit. More official than メダル.
彼は戦功で勲章を授与された。
He was awarded a medal for military service.
A Japanese government medal of honor for achievements in various fields. Very formal.
彼女は文化功労者として褒章を受けた。
She received a medal as a person of cultural merit.
A medal made to remember an event or person, not necessarily an award.
A commemorative medal, often sold at tourist sites or events.
東京タワーで記念メダルを買った。
I bought a commemorative medal at Tokyo Tower.
Can also refer to a souvenir medal, but 記念メダル is clearer.
A small metal pendant with a religious image, worn for devotion.
Specifically a religious medal, often Catholic. From French 'médaille'.
彼女は聖母マリアのメダイを身につけている。
She wears a medal of the Virgin Mary.
Sometimes used for religious medals, but メダイ is more precise.
メダル is the general word for medal, especially in sports. 勲章 is a formal decoration for merit, often military or civil. Use メダル for everyday contexts.
オリンピックのメダル
Olympic medal
勲章を授与される
to be awarded a decoration
This medal is a souvenir from my trip.
That medal is of a patron saint.