賞与（しょうよ、shouyo）
- bonus

The Japanese word 賞与 (しょうよ, *shōyo*) primarily means "bonus," "allowance," or "reward." It refers to a monetary payment made to an employee in addition to their regular salary. This extra payment is typically granted based on factors such as performance, company profits, or as a general reward for service. The amount of the bonus can vary significantly.

⚫︎ 今年の[賞与]は業績が良かったため、大幅に増額されました。 Translation: This year's bonus was significantly increased due to good performance. ⚫︎ [賞与]の支払い日は給料日と同じです。 Translation: The bonus payment date is the same as the payday. ⚫︎ 彼はボーナス、つまり[賞与]を期待していた。 Translation: He was expecting a bonus, meaning a reward.

You use 賞与 in formal and semi-formal settings, mainly in business contexts. It's common in conversations about employment, compensation, and company finances. You can use it when discussing: ⚫︎ The amount of a bonus ⚫︎ The criteria for receiving a bonus ⚫︎ The timing of bonus payments ⚫︎ The impact of a bonus on employee satisfaction

賞与 is typically written in kanji. The reading is しょうよ (shōyo) in hiragana. There are no other common ways to write this word. The okurigana is standard, and there are no variations. The word itself is a noun.

There aren't direct synonyms but related terms include: ⚫︎ ボーナス (bōnasu): bonus (loanword) ⚫︎ 手当 (てあて, teate): allowance, benefits ⚫︎ 報奨金 (ほうしょうきん, hōshōkin): reward money

⚫︎ There is no direct antonym, but you could consider words related to salary deductions or cuts, such as: ⚫︎ 減給 (げんきゅう, genkyū): salary reduction ⚫︎ カット (katto): cut (loanword, referring to a reduction)

彼は会社の[賞与]制度について質問した。 ・Translation: He asked about the company's bonus system. ・Explanation: This sentence illustrates a conversation about employment benefits and company policy.

[賞与]は従業員のモチベーションを上げるために重要です。 ・Translation: Bonuses are important for increasing employee motivation. ・Explanation: This example explains the role of bonuses in encouraging employees.

The word 賞与 is composed of two kanji: 賞 (shō), meaning "reward," "prize," or "praise," and 与 (yo), meaning "to give" or "to grant." Therefore, the word literally means "reward given."