Translation guide
The English word 'reward' covers several related ideas: a prize for achievement, a return for effort, a bounty for capture, and the concept of just deserts. Japanese uses different words depending on the nuance.
A tangible or symbolic prize given to recognize success, often in competitions, academics, or formal settings.
General term for a prize or award. Used in names of specific awards (e.g., Nobel Prize).
He received the Nobel Prize.
A reward given as praise, often to children or subordinates. Can be money or a treat.
いい子にしていたら褒美をあげるよ。
If you're a good kid, I'll give you a reward.
Specifically a prize item (goods, not cash).
優勝者には賞品が贈られた。
Prizes were awarded to the winners.
Something good that happens as a result of hard work, kindness, or patience. Often intangible.
A return or recompense for one's actions, can be positive or negative. Often used in set phrases.
努力の報いがあって合格した。
My hard work was rewarded and I passed.
Something given in return, often with a nuance of expecting compensation. Can be material or abstract.
Polite form of 褒美, often used for self-reward or treating oneself.
Remuneration or compensation for services, often monetary. More formal.
A sum of money offered for catching a criminal or providing useful information.
Bounty money, reward offered for capture or information.
その犯罪者には懸賞金がかけられている。
There is a reward on that criminal's head.
Monetary reward or incentive, often used in corporate or official contexts.
The idea that good or bad actions eventually bring appropriate consequences.
One's just deserts; what one deserves. Can be positive or negative depending on context.
彼の失敗は当然の報いだ。
His failure is a just reward for his actions.
You reap what you sow; one's own doing. Usually negative.
罰を受けるのは自業自得だ。
Getting punished is his own just reward.
報い (mukui) is a broader term for consequences (good or bad), while 褒美 (hōbi) is specifically a positive reward or treat. Use 報い for karmic returns, 褒美 for gifts or praise.
The loanword リワード (riwādo) is rarely used and sounds unnatural. Stick to native Japanese terms.
彼は迷子の犬の返還に懸賞金をかけた。
He offered a reward for the return of his lost dog.
彼は見返りを求めずに人を助ける。
He helps people without expecting a reward.
I bought a cake as a reward for my hard work.
この仕事の報酬は十分だ。
The reward for this job is sufficient.
A reward will be paid to informants.