Meaning
Reward, prize, recognition — a kanji used in honors, awards, and appreciation.
- 賞金 — prize money
- 賞状 — certificate of commendation
- 受賞 — winning an award
- 賞味 — savoring, tasting
- 授賞式 — award ceremony
賞 combines meanings of value (貝 = shell/money) and merit. Originally used in contexts of praise and reward, it carries connotations of recognition for achievement — whether monetary or honorary.
彼は 優秀な 成績で 賞を 受けました。
He received an award for his excellent performance.
賞味期限を 確認してください。
Please check the expiration date (best-before).
The reading ショウ (shou) is very common and used in nearly all compound words. No widely used kun-yomi exists.