jiǎngpǐn: 奖品 - Prize, Award, Trophy

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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.

`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 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.”

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`.

• `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.