Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Prize" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "prize", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
賞品
しょうひん (shōhin)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
懸賞
けんしょう (kenshou)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "prize" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 賞品 and 懸賞.
In Japanese, 賞品 (しょうひん (shōhin)) is typically associated with "prize (goods), trophy, award" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents A physical item awarded as a prize, not money..
On the other hand, 懸賞 (けんしょう (kenshou)) maps to "prize, bounty, public competition with a prize" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Refers to a prize offered in a competition, lottery, or for capturing a criminal. A literal translation of "prize" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "賞品"
運動会の優勝チームには、トロフィーと賞品が授与された。
The winning team of the sports day was awarded a trophy and prizes.
Bilingual Context for "懸賞"
その雑誌は毎月、豪華な商品を当たる懸賞を行っている。
That magazine holds a monthly prize contest with luxurious prizes.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "運動会の優勝チームには、トロフィーと ＿＿＿ が授与された。" (Meaning: "The winning team of the sports day was awarded a trophy and prizes.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "賞品" fits here because it means "prize (goods), trophy, award" in the context of: "The winning team of the sports day was awarded a trophy and prizes.". "懸賞" represents "prize, bounty, public competition with a prize".