Translation guide
The English word 'bonus' can refer to extra money from work, an unexpected benefit, or a special feature included with a product. Japanese uses different words depending on the context.
A sum of money added to an employee's regular salary, often as a reward or seasonal payment.
The most common and direct equivalent for a work bonus. Used for seasonal bonuses (summer/winter) and performance bonuses.
夏のボーナスで旅行に行くつもりです。
I plan to go on a trip with my summer bonus.
今年のボーナスは去年より少なかった。
This year's bonus was smaller than last year's.
A more formal term for a bonus, often used in business or official contexts. Can refer to any extra payment beyond regular salary.
賞与は業績に応じて支給されます。
Bonuses are paid according to performance.
A special allowance or extra payment, sometimes used for one-time bonuses or hardship allowances.
今回のプロジェクトには特別手当が出るらしい。
I heard there's a special bonus for this project.
A positive extra that comes from a situation, not necessarily money.
Something extra given for free, like a freebie or a little something thrown in. Often used for small, tangible extras.
このお菓子にはおまけのシールがついている。
This snack comes with a bonus sticker.
たくさん買ったら、おまけしてくれた。
I bought a lot, so they threw in a little extra.
A privilege or special benefit, often used for membership perks, credit card rewards, or promotional extras.
Added value, often used in business or product descriptions to mean a bonus feature.
An additional item or feature included with a purchase, often as a promotion.
Used for bonus items or services included with a purchase, like pre-order bonuses or limited-time offers.
予約特典としてオリジナルグッズがもらえます。
You can get original goods as a pre-order bonus.
A free extra item, often small and tangible, like a toy in a kids' meal or a sample.
ボーナス is the everyday word for a work bonus. 賞与 is more formal and often appears in contracts or official documents. In casual conversation, stick with ボーナス.
ボーナスいくらだった？
How much was your bonus?
賞与は年二回支給されます。
Bonuses are paid twice a year.
ボーナス is almost exclusively for monetary bonuses from work. For a free extra item or unexpected benefit, use おまけ or 特典 instead. Saying ボーナス for a free sticker sounds unnatural.
会社からボーナスをもらった。
The company gave me a bonus.
おまけにデザートが無料でもらえた。
As a bonus, I got a free dessert.
このクレジットカードは特典ポイントが充実している。
This credit card has great bonus points.
会員になると、様々な特典が受けられます。
If you become a member, you can receive various bonuses.
Something extra, an added bonus. Often used for intangible benefits or additional value beyond the expected.
経験が積めるのがこの仕事のプラスアルファだ。
Gaining experience is a bonus of this job.
This software comes with a translation feature as a bonus.
The magazine came with a bonus pouch.