Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Bonus" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "bonus", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
おまけ
おまけ (omake)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
賞与
しょうよ (shōyo)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "bonus" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between おまけ and 賞与.
In Japanese, おまけ (おまけ (omake)) is typically associated with "a bonus, a free gift, an extra" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Something given additionally and for free when purchasing an item, or as a small extra. Often refers to a small novelty item..
On the other hand, 賞与 (しょうよ (shōyo)) maps to "bonus (paid by a company to employees)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers specifically to a bonus payment from an employer to an employee, typically paid biannually. A literal translation of "bonus" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "おまけ"
このお菓子を買うとおまけでシールが付いてくる。
If you buy these sweets, you'll get a sticker as a free bonus.
Bilingual Context for "賞与"
冬の賞与の額は、会社の業績によって変動します。
The amount of the winter bonus varies depending on the company's performance.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "このお菓子を買うと ＿＿＿ でシールが付いてくる。" (Meaning: "If you buy these sweets, you'll get a sticker as a free bonus.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "おまけ" fits here because it means "a bonus, a free gift, an extra" in the context of: "If you buy these sweets, you'll get a sticker as a free bonus.". "賞与" represents "bonus (paid by a company to employees)".