noun
Polite term for a reward or prize given for effort or achievement. Often used in contexts like parenting, education, or work.
See also: 褒美
テストで満点を取ったら、ご褒美にゲームを買ってもらった。
When I got a perfect score on the test, I got a game as a reward.
子供がお手伝いをしたら、ご褒美をあげる。
I give my child a reward when they help out.
noun
A small pleasure or treat one gives oneself, often as a personal indulgence. Common in phrases like 自分へのご褒美.
頑張った自分へのご褒美に、ケーキを食べた。
I ate cake as a treat to myself for working hard.
週末のご褒美に、ちょっと高いワインを買う。
I buy a slightly expensive wine as a weekend treat.
Same meaning but without the honorific prefix ご; less polite and more direct.
From 褒美 (ほうび, 'reward') with the honorific prefix ご added for politeness.