Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Reward" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "reward", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
報償
ほうしょう (hōshō)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
報身
ほうじん (houjin)
C2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "reward" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 報償 and 報身.
In Japanese, 報償 (ほうしょう (hōshō)) is typically associated with "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。.
On the other hand, 報身 (ほうじん (houjin)) maps to "reward body of a Buddha (Sambhogakaya)" (Syllabus Level: C2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C2 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "reward" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
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.
Bilingual Context for "報身"
私は報身に興味があります。
I am interested in reward body of a Buddha (Sambhogakaya).
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "警察は犯人逮捕に協力した市民に ＿＿＿ を支払った。" (Meaning: "The police paid a reward to the citizen who cooperated in arresting the criminal.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "報償" fits here because it means "reward; compensation; remuneration (for services or damage)" in the context of: "The police paid a reward to the citizen who cooperated in arresting the criminal.". "報身" represents "reward body of a Buddha (Sambhogakaya)".