奖金
A bonus is an extra amount of money given to someone as a reward for good work.
Explanation at your level:
A bonus is extra money. If you work hard, your boss might give you a bonus. It is a happy surprise! You can also use it for other things. If you buy a toy and get a free sticker, the sticker is a bonus. It is something extra for you.
A bonus is an extra payment. Many people get a bonus at the end of the year if they do a good job. It is not your regular salary. You can also use 'bonus' to talk about good things that happen unexpectedly. For example, 'The sunny weather was a bonus for our picnic.'
In a professional context, a bonus is a financial reward for performance. Companies often offer a 'performance bonus' to motivate employees. Beyond money, the word is used to describe any additional benefit. For instance, 'The hotel had a great pool, and the free breakfast was a real bonus.' It implies that you received something extra that you didn't necessarily expect.
The term bonus is versatile, shifting from formal financial compensation to casual observations about life's perks. In business, it signifies a variable component of compensation, often tied to KPIs (Key Performance Indicators). In daily life, it describes an added advantage. It is important to distinguish between a 'bonus' (extra) and a 'benefit' (a standard perk like health insurance), as they are not always interchangeable.
Beyond the standard definition of a financial incentive, bonus can be used in more abstract or figurative ways. You might hear it in contexts involving gaming, where a 'bonus level' provides additional content, or in academic discussions regarding 'bonus marks' for extra credit. The term suggests an augmentation of value. When using it, consider the nuance: a bonus is typically a reward for excellence or an incidental benefit that enhances the primary experience, rather than a core component of an agreement.
Etymologically derived from the Latin bonus, the word has maintained its connotation of 'goodness' throughout its evolution. In high-level discourse, it can denote a surplus or a premium. While often associated with corporate remuneration, its usage extends to any scenario where an outcome exceeds the baseline expectation. Mastery of this word involves understanding its role as a 'value-add'—a concept central to modern economic and social exchanges. Whether discussing a 'signing bonus' in a contract or a 'bonus of good fortune' in a literary sense, the word always points toward an surplus of positive utility.
واژه در 30 ثانیه
- Bonus means extra money or reward.
- It comes from the Latin word for 'good'.
- Plural is 'bonuses'.
- Used in business and daily life.
Hey there! Let's talk about the word bonus. At its heart, a bonus is simply an extra reward. Think of it as the cherry on top of a sundae—it's not the main part of the dessert, but it makes the whole experience much sweeter.
In the professional world, you'll hear this word most often. If you work really hard and help your company make a lot of money, your boss might give you a bonus. It’s a way of saying, 'You went above and beyond, so here is some extra cash to say thanks!'
But it's not just about money. You can have a 'bonus' in other areas of life, too. Maybe you bought a video game that came with a bonus level, or you signed up for a gym membership and got a bonus month for free. Whenever you get something 'extra' that wasn't strictly required, that's a bonus!
The history of the word bonus is actually quite fascinating! It comes directly from the Latin word bonus, which simply means 'good.' Isn't that cool? It's one of those rare words that kept its original, positive meaning across centuries.
In the 18th century, the word started appearing in English, specifically in the world of finance. It was used to describe extra dividends paid to shareholders. Over time, the usage expanded from the stock market to the general workplace, describing any extra payment made to employees.
It’s interesting to note that because it comes from Latin, it is related to other 'good' words in Romance languages, like bueno in Spanish or bon in French. So, when you get a bonus, you are literally receiving something 'good'!
Using bonus is pretty straightforward. You'll mostly use it as a noun. Common phrases include 'performance bonus,' 'signing bonus,' or 'year-end bonus.' Notice how we often pair it with a word that describes why the bonus is being given.
In casual conversation, people often use it to describe any positive surprise. For example, 'I went to the store for milk, and as a bonus, they had my favorite cookies on sale!' This is a very common way to use the word outside of a business setting.
Just be careful with the register! While it's perfectly fine in professional settings, don't use it to describe something that is actually a basic requirement. If you get paid your normal salary, don't call it a bonus—that might confuse your payroll department!
While 'bonus' itself isn't always part of a fixed idiom, it is often used in expressions like:
- Bonus points: Used when someone does something extra helpful. 'You get bonus points for cleaning the kitchen before I got home!'
- The icing on the cake: A synonym for a bonus. 'The concert was great, and meeting the band was the icing on the cake.'
- A nice little extra: A casual way to describe a bonus. 'The free breakfast at the hotel was a nice little extra.'
- Above and beyond: Describes the effort that leads to a bonus. 'She really went above and beyond this month.'
- Money for jam: A British idiom for easy money, sometimes used when a bonus feels very easy to get.
Grammatically, bonus is a countable noun. The plural form is bonuses—don't forget the 'es' at the end! It’s a common mistake to think it's 'boni,' but in English, we stick to standard pluralization rules.
Pronunciation-wise, it sounds like BOH-nus in American English, with a strong emphasis on the first syllable. The 'o' is long, like in the word 'go.' In British English, it’s quite similar, though the 'u' sound might be slightly more clipped.
It rhymes with words like monus (though that's rare) and sounds similar to the beginning of bonanza. Remember: stress the first syllable, and keep the second syllable light and quick!
Fun Fact
It is one of the few words that kept its exact Latin form.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like BOH-nus.
Sounds like BOH-nus.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing it with a short 'o' like 'box'.
- Adding an extra syllable.
- Misplacing the stress on the second syllable.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Very easy to read.
Easy to use in sentences.
Commonly used in speech.
Easy to hear.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
پیشرفته
Grammar to Know
Countable vs Uncountable Nouns
Bonus is countable.
Pluralization Rules
Bonus -> Bonuses.
Subject-Verb Agreement
The bonus is here.
Examples by Level
I got a bonus.
I received extra money.
Simple past tense.
It is a bonus.
It is something extra.
Linking verb.
The bonus is big.
The extra money is a large amount.
Adjective usage.
I like my bonus.
I am happy with the extra money.
Subject-verb-object.
Is there a bonus?
Will I get extra money?
Interrogative.
He gave me a bonus.
He paid me extra.
Dative construction.
My bonus is here.
I have received my extra money.
Possessive pronoun.
We want a bonus.
We hope for extra pay.
Plural subject.
The company gave everyone a Christmas bonus.
I worked hard and earned a bonus.
The free gift was a nice bonus.
She received a large bonus this year.
Is the bonus included in the salary?
He spent his bonus on a new bike.
Getting a bonus made me very happy.
They are waiting for their annual bonus.
The signing bonus was enough to convince him to take the job.
We received a performance bonus for meeting our sales targets.
It's a bonus to have such a friendly team to work with.
The contract includes a generous year-end bonus.
He used his bonus to pay off some of his debt.
The extra vacation days were a nice bonus.
They are offering a bonus for early registration.
I didn't expect a bonus, so it was a pleasant surprise.
The CEO's bonus was tied strictly to the company's stock performance.
Many employees view the annual bonus as an essential part of their income.
Having a mentor in the office is a huge bonus for new staff.
The project was completed early, which was a bonus for the client.
She negotiated a significant signing bonus before joining the firm.
The tax implications of a large bonus can be quite complex.
We received a retention bonus to stay with the company during the merger.
The view from the office was a bonus I hadn't anticipated.
The board of directors approved a discretionary bonus for the executive team.
While the base salary is competitive, the bonus structure is where the real value lies.
The bonus track on the album features a live recording from their tour.
Receiving a bonus for efficiency is a great incentive for the production team.
The clause regarding the bonus was heavily debated during contract negotiations.
He was awarded a productivity bonus for his innovative approach to the workflow.
The unexpected bonus of the new software was its intuitive user interface.
The company's bonus scheme is designed to reward long-term commitment.
The accumulation of such a substantial bonus reflects the company's aggressive growth strategy.
His contribution was so profound that the bonus he received felt like a mere token of appreciation.
The bonus of having such a diverse team is the breadth of perspectives brought to the table.
The contractual obligation to pay a bonus was triggered by the quarterly earnings report.
The bonus was structured to vest over a period of three years to ensure retention.
It was a bonus of circumstance that we met the right people at the right time.
The bonus system is often criticized for incentivizing short-term gains over long-term stability.
The bonus of living in a city like this is the constant exposure to new ideas.
ترکیبهای رایج
Idioms & Expressions
"bonus points"
Extra credit or favor for doing something well.
You get bonus points for helping me with this.
casual"the icing on the cake"
Something that makes a good situation even better.
The pay raise was great, but the bonus was the icing on the cake.
neutral"a nice little extra"
A small, pleasant surprise or addition.
The free lunch was a nice little extra.
casual"above and beyond"
Doing more than what is required.
He went above and beyond to finish the project.
neutral"money for jam"
Money earned with very little effort.
That bonus was money for jam!
casual"sweeten the deal"
To add an incentive to make an offer more attractive.
They offered a bonus to sweeten the deal.
neutralEasily Confused
Both are extra perks.
Benefit is regular (health insurance); bonus is one-time.
Health insurance is a benefit; the cash reward is a bonus.
Both are extra money.
Tip is for service workers; bonus is for employees.
I tipped the waiter; my boss gave me a bonus.
Both are extra pay.
Commission is a percentage of sales; bonus is a flat reward.
I earned a commission on the sale.
Both are extra money.
Dividend is for shareholders; bonus is for employees.
The company paid a dividend.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + receive + a bonus + for + noun
She received a bonus for her hard work.
Subject + get + a bonus + of + amount
I got a bonus of five hundred dollars.
The + noun + was + a + bonus
The free breakfast was a bonus.
Subject + offer + a bonus + to + verb
They offered a bonus to stay longer.
Subject + tie + bonus + to + noun
They tie the bonus to sales results.
خانواده کلمه
Nouns
Adjectives
مرتبط
How to Use It
7
Formality Scale
اشتباهات رایج
Bonus is an English word derived from Latin, but it follows English plural rules.
Salary is fixed; a bonus is variable.
The first 'o' is long.
A bonus is by definition optional or performance-based.
It's more natural to use 'cash' as an adjective.
Tips
Memory Palace
Imagine a giant 'B' on a gold bar in your bank.
Work Talk
Always use 'performance bonus' in interviews.
Holiday Bonus
In the US, many companies give a 'Christmas bonus' in December.
Plural Rule
Ends in 's'? Add 'es' for plural.
Long O
Say 'BOH' like 'go'.
Don't say Boni
It sounds weird, use bonuses.
Latin Root
Bonus means good in Latin.
Flashcards
Use 'bonus' in a sentence about your dream job.
Casual Use
Use it for any extra good thing!
Countable
You can have one bonus or two bonuses.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
BONus = BON-fire. A bonfire is extra light and warmth, just like a bonus is extra money!
Visual Association
A giant gold coin sitting on top of a regular paycheck.
Word Web
چالش
Ask a friend what kind of bonus they would like to get at work.
ریشه کلمه
Latin
Original meaning: Good
بافت فرهنگی
Can be a sensitive topic if employees feel bonuses are unfair.
Bonuses are a standard part of corporate culture in the US and UK.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At work
- Did you get a bonus?
- Performance bonus
- Year-end bonus
Shopping
- Bonus points
- Bonus gift
- Buy one get one bonus
Gaming
- Bonus level
- Bonus life
- Bonus points
Negotiation
- Signing bonus
- Bonus structure
- Negotiate a bonus
Conversation Starters
"Have you ever received a bonus at work?"
"What would you do if you got a surprise bonus today?"
"Do you think bonuses are a good way to motivate people?"
"What is the best bonus you have ever received?"
"Do you prefer a bonus or more vacation time?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a time you earned a reward.
If you were a boss, how would you reward your employees?
Describe the difference between a salary and a bonus.
What is a 'bonus' in your life that isn't money?
سوالات متداول
8 سوالNo, it is 'bonuses'.
Yes, it means anything extra.
Yes, in most countries, it is treated as income.
Money given when you join a new company.
Yes, 'bonus marks' on a test.
No, it is a noun.
A penalty or deduction.
To motivate employees to work harder.
خودت رو بسنج
I got a ___ for my hard work.
Bonus is the reward for hard work.
What is a bonus?
A bonus is extra money.
A bonus is always a fixed amount of money.
Bonuses are often variable based on performance.
Word
معنی
These are common collocations.
Subject-verb-object order.
The ___ was very nice.
Fits the context of receiving something nice.
Which is the plural?
The plural is bonuses.
You can get bonus points in a game.
Bonus points are common in gaming.
Word
معنی
Matching synonyms and antonyms.
Correct adverb placement.
امتیاز: /10
Summary
A bonus is a 'good' extra reward that makes life or work a little bit better.
- Bonus means extra money or reward.
- It comes from the Latin word for 'good'.
- Plural is 'bonuses'.
- Used in business and daily life.
Memory Palace
Imagine a giant 'B' on a gold bar in your bank.
Work Talk
Always use 'performance bonus' in interviews.
Holiday Bonus
In the US, many companies give a 'Christmas bonus' in December.
Plural Rule
Ends in 's'? Add 'es' for plural.
Related Content
این کلمه در زبانهای دیگر
واژههای بیشتر work
充裕的
B2Abundant, ample, or sufficient in quantity.
事故
A2accident; mishap
依照
A2According to; in accordance with.
准确地
A2accurately, precisely
做到
A2to achieve; to accomplish
积极地
A2actively; enthusiastically
应变
B2Adaptive; capable of dealing with emergencies.
行政
A2Administration; the management of affairs.
过后
A2Afterwards; at a later or subsequent time.
赞同
A2To approve of, to endorse; to agree with or support.
