====== jiǎngpǐn: 奖品 - Prize, Award, Trophy ====== ===== Quick Summary ===== * **Keywords:** 奖品, jiǎngpǐn, prize in Chinese, Chinese for prize, award, trophy, reward, Chinese competition, what is jiangpin, winning a prize in China, 奖品是什么意思. * **Summary:** Learn the essential Chinese word **奖品 (jiǎngpǐn)**, which means a physical prize, award, or trophy. This page breaks down what a `jiǎngpǐn` is, from a small toy won at a carnival to a grand prize in a company lottery. Discover its cultural significance in motivating students and employees in China, and learn how to use it correctly to talk about winning competitions, prizes, and awards. ===== Core Meaning ===== * **Pinyin (with tone marks):** jiǎngpǐn * **Part of Speech:** Noun * **HSK Level:** HSK 4 * **Concise Definition:** A tangible item, trophy, or medal given to a winner as a reward for achievement. * **In a Nutshell:** `奖品 (jiǎngpǐn)` is the word for any physical thing you win. It's not cash and it's not a gift you receive for no reason. If you enter a competition, play a game, or join a lottery and win an *object*—be it a medal, a new phone, or a stuffed animal—that object is your `奖品`. It's the physical proof of your victory or good luck. ===== Character Breakdown ===== * **奖 (jiǎng):** This character means "to reward," "to praise," or "to encourage." The top part (将 jiāng) gives the sound, and the bottom radical is 大 (dà), meaning "big." Think of giving a "big" encouragement or reward for an accomplishment. * **品 (pǐn):** This character is made of three 口 (kǒu - mouth) characters. It means "product," "goods," or "quality." The idea is that many mouths talking about or "tasting" something relates to its quality or its status as an item. * When combined, **奖品 (jiǎngpǐn)** literally translates to "reward item" or "prize product," perfectly capturing its meaning as a physical object given as a prize. ===== Cultural Context and Significance ===== In Chinese culture, `奖品` plays a significant role in motivation and public recognition. While a "prize" in the West can sometimes be a private affair, the act of giving and receiving a `奖品` in China is often a very public ceremony, designed to `树立榜样 (shùlì bǎngyàng)`—to set an example for others. This is most visible in two areas: 1. **Education:** From kindergarten through university, teachers and schools use `奖品` (from stickers and stationery to certificates and trophies) to encourage diligence and good behavior. It's a tangible symbol of the teacher's and the collective's approval. 2. **Corporate Culture:** The company annual meeting (`年会 - niánhuì`) is famous for its `抽奖 (chōujiǎng)` or lottery session, where employees can win impressive `奖品` like electronics, vacations, or home appliances. This isn't just a fun activity; it's a way for the company to show generosity and reward staff for a year of hard work, fostering loyalty and a positive team atmosphere. The `奖品` itself is often less important than the public act of receiving it, which confers honor and "face" (`面子 - miànzi`) upon the winner. ===== Practical Usage in Modern China ===== `奖品` is a common, everyday word used in various modern contexts. * **Competitions & Games:** This is the most direct usage. Whether it's a sports meet, a video game tournament, or a carnival game, the non-monetary winnings are all `奖品`. * **Marketing & Promotions:** Shops and online platforms frequently use prize giveaways to attract customers. You'll often see signs like "消费满100元,参与抽奖" (Spend over 100 RMB to enter our prize draw). * **Workplace:** Used when discussing rewards for company events, team-building activities, or sales competitions. * **School:** Students will talk about the `奖品` they received for a good grade or for winning a contest. The word has a consistently positive connotation and is neutral in formality, suitable for both a formal awards ceremony and a casual conversation about a game. ===== Example Sentences ===== * **Example 1:** * 这次比赛的**奖品**是一台新电脑。 * Pinyin: Zhè cì bǐsài de **jiǎngpǐn** shì yī tái xīn diànnǎo. * English: The prize for this competition is a new computer. * Analysis: A straightforward sentence stating what the prize is. This is a very common structure. * **Example 2:** * 孩子们都希望得到老师发的**奖品**。 * Pinyin: Háizi men dōu xīwàng dédào lǎoshī fā de **jiǎngpǐn**. * English: The children all hope to get the prizes given out by the teacher. * Analysis: Shows the context of school and the act of "giving out" (`发 fā`) prizes. * **Example 3:** * 我们为公司年会准备了很多**奖品**。 * Pinyin: Wǒmen wèi gōngsī niánhuì zhǔnbèi le hěn duō **jiǎngpǐn**. * English: We prepared a lot of prizes for the company's annual party. * Analysis: Highlights the corporate context, specifically the `年会 (niánhuì)`, a very common event for prize giveaways in China. * **Example 4:** * 你看!这是我抽奖中的**奖品**! * Pinyin: Nǐ kàn! Zhè shì wǒ chōujiǎng zhòng de **jiǎngpǐn**! * English: Look! This is the prize I won in the lottery! * Analysis: `抽奖 (chōujiǎng)` is "to draw a lottery," and `中 (zhòng)` here means "to win" or "to hit the mark." This is a very natural, conversational phrase. * **Example 5:** * 虽然只是个小**奖品**,但我还是很开心。 * Pinyin: Suīrán zhǐshì ge xiǎo **jiǎngpǐn**, dàn wǒ háishì hěn kāixīn. * English: Although it's just a small prize, I'm still very happy. * Analysis: Shows that `奖品` can be modified with adjectives like `小 (xiǎo)` to describe its value or size. * **Example 6:** * 一等奖的**奖品**最丰富。 * Pinyin: Yī děng jiǎng de **jiǎngpǐn** zuì fēngfù. * English: The prize for the first-place winner is the most abundant/generous. * Analysis: Introduces `一等奖 (yī děng jiǎng)`, or "first prize." `丰富 (fēngfù)` means rich or abundant, a common way to describe a great set of prizes. * **Example 7:** * 所有参与者都能获得一份纪念**奖品**。 * Pinyin: Suǒyǒu cānyùzhě dōu néng huòdé yī fèn jìniàn **jiǎngpǐn**. * English: All participants can receive a commemorative prize. * Analysis: Here, `纪念 (jìniàn)` acts as an adjective, meaning "souvenir" or "commemorative." This shows how `奖品` can also be a participation trophy. * **Example 8:** * 这次活动的**奖品**由我们的赞助商提供。 * Pinyin: Zhè cì huódòng de **jiǎngpǐn** yóu wǒmen de zànzhùshāng tígōng. * English: The prizes for this event are provided by our sponsor. * Analysis: Useful vocabulary for formal events. `由 (yóu)` indicates the agent (the sponsor), and `提供 (tígōng)` means "to provide." * **Example 9:** * 他的书架上摆满了各种比赛的**奖品**。 * Pinyin: Tā de shūjià shàng bǎi mǎn le gèzhǒng bǐsài de **jiǎngpǐn**. * English: His bookshelf is filled with prizes from various competitions. * Analysis: Paints a picture of a successful person, showing the physical nature of `奖品` as items that can be displayed. * **Example 10:** * 请问三等奖的**奖品**是什么? * Pinyin: Qǐngwèn sān děng jiǎng de **jiǎngpǐn** shì shénme? * English: Excuse me, what is the prize for third place? * Analysis: A practical question you might ask when entering a contest. `三等奖 (sān děng jiǎng)` is "third prize." ===== Nuances and Common Mistakes ===== The most common mistake for English speakers is confusing `奖品` with other types of rewards or gifts. * **奖品 (jiǎngpǐn) vs. 奖金 (jiǎngjīn):** * `奖品 (jiǎngpǐn)` is a physical **item**. * `[[奖金]] (jiǎngjīn)` is prize **money** (金 - jīn means gold/money). * **Incorrect:** 我赢的奖品是1000块钱。(My prize was 1000 kuai.) * **Correct:** 我赢的**奖金**是1000块钱。(My prize money was 1000 kuai.) * **Correct:** 我赢的**奖品**是一部手机。(My prize was a mobile phone.) * **奖品 (jiǎngpǐn) vs. 礼物 (lǐwù):** * `奖品 (jiǎngpǐn)` is **earned** or **won** through a competition or lottery. * `[[礼物]] (lǐwù)` is a **gift** or **present**, given for an occasion (like a birthday) or out of kindness, not won. * **Incorrect:** 这是我送给你的生日奖品。(This is the birthday prize I'm giving you.) * **Correct:** 这是我送给你的生日**礼物**。(This is the birthday gift I'm giving you.) You win a `奖品`, but you receive a `礼物`. ===== Related Terms and Concepts ===== * `[[奖金]] (jiǎngjīn)` - Prize money; a cash reward. The monetary equivalent of `奖品`. * `[[奖励]] (jiǎnglì)` - (v./n.) To reward; a reward. A broader term that can include a `奖品`, `奖金`, or even just verbal praise. * `[[奖状]] (jiǎngzhuàng)` - An award certificate; a paper-based prize. * `[[奖杯]] (jiǎngbēi)` - A trophy (literally "prize cup"). A specific type of `奖品`. * `[[奖牌]] (jiǎngpái)` - A medal (literally "prize plaque"). A specific type of `奖品`. * `[[抽奖]] (chōujiǎng)` - (v.) To draw lots; to run a raffle. The action that often leads to winning a `奖品`. * `[[得奖]] (déjiǎng)` - (v.) To win a prize or award. The verb for receiving a `奖品`. * `[[颁奖]] (bānjiǎng)` - (v.) To present an award; to give out a prize. The formal action done at a ceremony. * `[[一等奖]] (yī děng jiǎng)` - First prize. Often has the best `奖品`. * `[[礼物]] (lǐwù)` - Gift; present. Contrasted with `奖品` as it is given freely, not won.