Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Prize" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "prize", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
賞金
しょうきん (shōkin)
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 賞金 and 懸賞.
In Japanese, 賞金 (しょうきん (shōkin)) is typically associated with "prize money" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Money awarded as a prize in a competition, lottery, or for achievements. Distinct from 賞品.
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 "賞金"
コンテストで優勝して、賞金10万円をもらった。
I won the contest and received 100,000 yen in prize money.
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: "コンテストで優勝して、 ＿＿＿ 10万円をもらった。" (Meaning: "I won the contest and received 100,000 yen in prize money.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "賞金" fits here because it means "prize money" in the context of: "I won the contest and received 100,000 yen in prize money.". "懸賞" represents "prize, bounty, public competition with a prize".