Meaning and Usage
The word 懸賞 (けんしょう) refers to offering a prize or reward, often as an incentive to solve a problem, find a culprit, or win a contest. It is commonly used in contexts like crime investigations (offering a reward for information), contests, or promotional campaigns.
Common Contexts
- 懸賞金 (けんしょうきん): a monetary reward or bounty, often used in police or detective contexts.
- 懸賞に応募する: to enter a prize contest or sweepstakes.
- 懸賞問題: a prize question or puzzle that offers a reward for solving.
Register and Nuance
懸賞 is a formal word often seen in written language, news reports, and official announcements. It implies a public offer of reward and is not used casually in everyday conversation unless referring to such formal offers.
Common Collocations
- 懸賞金をかける: to put up a reward
- 懸賞に応募する: to apply for a prize contest
- 懸賞問題を解く: to solve a prize question
Learner Tips
A common confusion is mixing 懸賞 with 賞 (しょう), which means prize or award generally. 懸賞 specifically involves offering a prize as an incentive or reward, often publicly announced. Remember 懸賞 implies an active offer or challenge, not just the prize itself.