1.
reward, treat, prize
Something given as a reward for good behavior, effort, or achievement. The ご prefix adds politeness or warmth. Commonly used with children but also for self-indulgence (treating oneself).
ご褒美にケーキを買った。
I bought a cake as a reward.
頑張ったから、自分へのご褒美にバッグを買った。
I worked hard, so I bought myself a bag as a treat.
子どもが良い成績を取ったので、ご褒美として好きなおもちゃを一つ選ばせてあげた。
My child got good grades, so as a reward I let them pick a toy they liked.
The honorific prefix ご is attached to 褒美 (reward). While 褒美 on its own sounds somewhat stiff or old-fashioned, ご褒美 is the standard form in modern Japanese and feels warm and friendly.
USAGE:
Very commonly used in the phrase 自分へのご褒美 (a treat for oneself), which has become a popular concept in Japanese consumer culture — the idea of rewarding yourself with a purchase or experience after working hard.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- ご褒美をあげる: to give a reward
- ご褒美をもらう: to receive a reward
- 自分へのご褒美: a treat for oneself
- ご褒美として: as a reward
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 報酬: remuneration, compensation — formal, used for payment for work or services
- 賞: prize, award — given for winning competitions or achieving excellence
- ご{褒美} vs 罰: reward vs punishment — the classic pair in child-rearing and motivation