1.
honorable mention; runner-up prize
An award given in competitions and contests to works that are commendable but did not win the top prizes.
佳作に選ばれた。
It was selected for honorable mention.
応募作品の中から佳作五つが発表された。
Five honorable mentions were announced from among the submitted works.
今回は大賞は逃したが、佳作に入れただけでも嬉しい。
I missed the grand prize this time, but I'm happy just to have received an honorable mention.
2.
fine work; good piece
A work of art, literature, or other creative endeavor that is well-crafted and praiseworthy.
この映画は佳作だ。
This film is a fine piece of work.
地味だが佳作と呼べる小説が多い。
There are many novels that are unassuming but can be called fine works.
彼の初期の作品にはいくつかの佳作がある。
Among his early works, there are several fine pieces.
A compound of 佳 (good/beautiful) and 作 (work/creation). Has two distinct uses: as a competition award rank (below grand prize and runner-up) and as a general compliment for well-made creative works.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 佳作に選ばれる: to be selected for honorable mention
- 佳作に入る: to receive an honorable mention
- 佳作賞: honorable mention award
- 隠れた佳作: a hidden gem
USAGE NOTE:
In competitions, the typical award hierarchy is 大賞 (grand prize) → 優秀賞 (excellence award) → 佳作 (honorable mention). When used to describe a work outside of competitions, 佳作 implies solid quality without being a masterpiece.