Skip to content
Kotomora

獎

prize, reward, give award to

Strokes15

Readings

On'yomi

  • ショウ
  • ソウ

Kun'yomi

  • すす.める

Meaning

獎 centers on giving a prize or reward to recognize achievement. The idea of awarding something valuable connects the senses of prize, reward, and the act of bestowing an award.

Study

Etymology

獎 combines 將 (general, leader) with 犬 (dog), but the exact historical reason for this combination is uncertain. It may have originally depicted a leader rewarding a hunting dog, though this is speculative.

Meaning mnemonic

A general (將) gives a prize to a loyal dog (犬) for its service. The dog receives a reward, capturing the idea of awarding a prize.

Reading mnemonic

For ショウ, imagine the general giving a showy award ceremony for the dog: show -> ショウ, and the prize is presented with fanfare.