Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Reward" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "reward", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
報いる
むくいる (mukuiru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
報償
ほうしょう (hōshō)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "reward" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 報いる and 報償.
In Japanese, 報いる (むくいる (mukuiru)) is typically associated with "to reward, to repay, to return (a favor), to retaliate" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Used when returning kindness or showing gratitude, but can also imply returning hostility or taking revenge. Often seen in phrases like 恩に報いる.
On the other hand, 報償 (ほうしょう (hōshō)) maps to "reward; compensation; remuneration (for services or damage)" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Formal term for a reward given for service, achievement, or as compensation for loss/damage. 労苦や功績に対する報酬、または損害に対する償いを指す、やや堅い表現。. A literal translation of "reward" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "報いる"
彼は恩師の期待に報いるために努力した。
He worked hard to live up to his mentor's expectations.
Bilingual Context for "報償"
警察は犯人逮捕に協力した市民に報償を支払った。
The police paid a reward to the citizen who cooperated in arresting the criminal.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は恩師の期待に ＿＿＿ ために努力した。" (Meaning: "He worked hard to live up to his mentor's expectations.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "報いる" fits here because it means "to reward, to repay, to return (a favor), to retaliate" in the context of: "He worked hard to live up to his mentor's expectations.". "報償" represents "reward; compensation; remuneration (for services or damage)".