褒美(ほうび)

ほうび
noun
reward, prize
evaluation
1. reward, prize
Something given in recognition of good work, achievement, or effort. Often used for treats or rewards given to children, or as self-reward.
ご褒美(ほうび)にケーキを買(か)った。
I bought a cake as a reward.
ご褒美(ほうび) is the polite/common form
頑張(がんば)ったから、自分(じぶん)へのご褒美(ほうび)だ。
I worked hard, so this is a reward for myself.
子(こ)どもが良(い)い成績(せいせき)を取(と)ったので、ご褒美(ほうび)に好(す)きなおもちゃを買(か)ってあげた。
Since the child got good grades, I bought them a toy they liked as a reward.

褒美(ほうび) is almost always used with the honorific prefix ご as ご褒美(ほうび). Using 褒美(ほうび) without ご sounds old-fashioned or literary.

Common patterns

Similar words

  • 報酬(ほうしゅう): remuneration, compensation (more formal, for work)
  • 賞(しょう): prize, award (for competitions or achievements)
  • ご褒美(ほうび) has a warm, personal tone and is often used for treats.

Related Words

Compare: 報酬(ほうしゅう) (remuneration, compensation)
Compare: 賞(しょう) (prize, award)
general
Added 2026.2.8 6:20 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
10000/10478_houbi