noun
small reward; tip; little something
A small reward or tip given to a child for running an errand, or a modest token of appreciation. Often used in a light, affectionate way.
See also: 駄賃
お使いに行ったら、お駄賃をもらった。
When I went on the errand, I got a little reward.
お手伝いのお駄賃に、お菓子をあげよう。
I'll give you some sweets as a little something for helping out.
The base form without the honorific お. Historically meant a packhorse fee; now can mean a small reward, but お駄賃 is more common for the child-errand sense.
A tip in the Western sense, given for service at restaurants, hotels, etc. お駄賃 is more domestic and often given to children, not a standard service tip.
A reward or prize, often for achievement or good behavior. More formal and can be larger than お駄賃, which is typically a small, casual token.
Honorific お + 駄賃 (だちん, originally a fee for packhorse transport). The meaning shifted from a transport fee to a small reward or tip, especially for children's errands.