授与 in 30 Seconds
- 授与 (Juyo) means the formal act of awarding or conferring prizes, degrees, or honors from an authority to a recipient in a ceremonial setting.
- It is a highly formal 'kango' word, commonly used in contexts like graduation ceremonies, government award announcements, and academic degree conferrals.
- Grammatically, it functions as a noun or a suru-verb (授与する), often appearing in the passive voice (授与される) in news reports and formal documents.
- Unlike casual giving, 授与 requires a sense of hierarchy and merit, making it inappropriate for personal gifts between friends or family members.
The term 授与 (じゅよ - Juyo) is a formal noun and suru-verb that describes the ritualistic or official act of bestowing something upon another person. Unlike the common verb 'to give' (あげる - ageru), 授与 implies a significant hierarchy or a formal recognition of merit. It is most frequently encountered in the context of academic degrees, military honors, government decorations, and competitive prizes. The kanji 授 (ju) means 'to instruct' or 'to impart,' while 与 (yo) means 'to give' or 'to award.' Together, they create a sense of 'official transmission.'
- Institutional Context
- Used by universities, governments, and organizations to confer status.
- Directionality
- Always flows from a higher authority (giver) to a recipient (receiver).
- Physicality
- Often involves a physical object like a certificate, medal, or trophy.
卒業生に卒業証書を授与する。 (Conferring diplomas to the graduates.)
In a broader sense, 授与 is not just about the item but the validation of the recipient's achievements. When a Nobel Prize is given, the word used is 授与. When a student receives a certificate for perfect attendance, it is 授与. It elevates the act of giving into a social event. It is also important to note that the recipient is often referred to as the '被授与者' (hijuyosha) in legal or formal documents.
彼は長年の功績により勲章を授与された。 (He was awarded a medal for his many years of service.)
優勝チームにはトロフィーが授与されます。 (A trophy will be awarded to the winning team.)
- Honorific Nature
- It is inherently respectful and formal.
- Grammar Usage
- Usually takes the form [Object]を[Recipient]に授与する.
Using 授与 correctly requires an understanding of the social setting. It is a 'kango' (Sino-Japanese word), which makes it sound stiff and professional. You will primarily use it in writing or in formal speeches. The most common structure is [Entity] が [Recipient] に [Item] を授与する. In passive voice, which is very common in news reports, it becomes [Recipient] に [Item] が授与される.
学長が学生に学位記を授与した。 (The president conferred the degree certificate upon the student.)
When you are the one receiving the award, you might say 授与していただきました to show extra humble gratitude, though usually, the passive 授与されました is sufficient for reporting the fact. In business, if a company receives an award for quality, they would use this word in their press release.
- Verb Form
- 授与する (to confer/award).
- Noun Form
- 授与式 (Awarding ceremony).
- Passive Form
- 授与される (to be awarded).
この賞は毎年、優れた研究者に授与されます。 (This prize is awarded to outstanding researchers every year.)
You will hear 授与 in very specific environments. The most common is the Japanese school system. During 'Sotsugyoshiki' (Graduation Ceremonies), the principal will stand on stage and announce the 'Shousho Juyo' (Conferral of Certificates). You will also hear it on the NHK news when the Emperor or the Prime Minister awards medals of honor (Kunsho) to citizens for their contributions to society.
「ただいまより、卒業証書授与を行います。」 (We will now begin the conferral of diplomas.)
In the sports world, during the closing ceremony of a tournament, the announcer will say that the 'Yusho-ki' (Championship Flag) or 'Trophy' is being awarded. It creates a solemn, respectful atmosphere. If you are watching a historical drama (Jidaigeki), a Lord might 'juyo' a sword or land to a loyal samurai.
- News Broadcasts
- Reporting on international prizes like the Nobel or Fields Medal.
- School Assemblies
- Awarding students for sports or academic excellence.
- Corporate Events
- Annual awards for the best employee.
The most frequent mistake is using 授与 for casual gift-giving. If you say '友達にプレゼントを授与した' (I conferred a present to my friend), it sounds like you think you are an Emperor and your friend is your subject. It is unintentionally hilarious or extremely arrogant. Use 'あげた' or 'プレゼントした' for friends.
❌ 母に誕生日カードを授与した。
✅ 母に誕生日カードを渡した。
Another mistake is confusing it with '贈呈' (zoutei). While similar, '贈呈' is used for gifts between equals or as a gesture of goodwill (like flowers to a performer), whereas '授与' is specifically for awards and certificates from an authority. Also, don't confuse it with '付与' (fuyo), which is used for granting rights, points (like credit card points), or permissions.
- Confusion with '与える'
- 'Ataeru' is broader and can mean to cause (pain) or give (influence).
- Confusion with '交付'
- 'Koufu' is for official documents like passports or licenses issued by the government.
To master 授与, you must distinguish it from its synonyms. Japanese has many words for 'giving' depending on the object and the social relationship. 贈呈 (Zoutei) is for presenting a gift formally. 進呈 (Shintei) is often used in shops (e.g., 'Free gift with purchase'). 授章 (Jushou) is specifically for awarding a medal (章).
記念品を贈呈する。 (Presenting a commemorative gift.)
- 付与 (Fuyo)
- To grant/assign (e.g., ID numbers, vacation days, authority).
- 交付 (Koufu)
- To issue (e.g., a driver's license or a subsidy).
- 伝達 (Dentatsu)
- To convey or pass along (often used when a lower official gives an award on behalf of a higher one).
When choosing between these, ask yourself: Is there a certificate? (授与). Is it a gift of appreciation? (贈呈). Is it a government document? (交付). Is it a digital point or a right? (付与). Understanding these nuances will make your Japanese sound much more natural and sophisticated.
How Formal Is It?
Difficulty Rating
Grammar to Know
Passive voice (れる/られる)
Humble language (お〜いたす)
Giving and Receiving (あげる/もらう/くれる)
Honorifics (尊敬語)
Noun-based compounds (熟語)
Examples by Level
先生が賞状を授与します。
The teacher will award the certificate.
Simple [Subject] ga [Object] o juyo-shimasu.
メダルを授与する。
To award a medal.
Direct object usage.
卒業式で証書を授与した。
Awarded the certificate at the graduation ceremony.
Past tense.
彼はトロフィーを授与された。
He was awarded a trophy.
Passive voice 'sareta'.
授与式は明日です。
The award ceremony is tomorrow.
Noun usage.
だれが授与しますか？
Who will award it?
Question form.
プレゼントを授与する（間違い）。
Awarding a present (Incorrect usage example).
Note: Use 'ageru' for friends.
みんなの前で授与された。
It was awarded in front of everyone.
Locative particle 'de'.
優勝者にカップが授与されました。
The cup was awarded to the winner.
Passive formal 'saremashita'.
校長先生が卒業証書を授与する。
The principal confers the diplomas.
Specific subject 'Principal'.
学位を授与されるのは名誉だ。
It is an honor to be conferred a degree.
Clause as a subject.
政府は彼に勲章を授与した。
The government awarded him a medal.
Institutional subject.
授与式の会場はどこですか？
Where is the venue for the award ceremony?
Compound noun 'Juyo-shiki'.
記念品が全員に授与された。
Commemorative gifts were awarded to everyone.
Universal recipient 'zen-in'.
彼は特別賞を授与された。
He was awarded a special prize.
Passive construction.
授与の様子がテレビで流れた。
The awarding scene was shown on TV.
Noun 'Juyo' as a subject.
長年のボランティア活動に対し、感謝状が授与された。
A certificate of appreciation was awarded for years of volunteer work.
Reasoning particle 'ni taishi'.
博士号の授与には厳しい審査が必要だ。
Strict screening is required for the conferral of a doctorate.
Noun usage in a complex sentence.
オリンピックのメダル授与式は感動的だった。
The Olympic medal ceremony was moving.
Compound noun.
彼は文化勲章を授与されることになった。
It was decided that he would be awarded the Order of Culture.
Decisional form 'koto ni natta'.
その賞は、毎年12月に授与されます。
The prize is awarded every December.
Temporal adverb.
授与された権利を正しく使うべきだ。
You should use the granted rights correctly.
Past participle modifying a noun.
奨学金の授与が決まった。
The awarding of the scholarship was decided.
Noun phrase.
市長から直接、表彰状が授与された。
The commendation was awarded directly by the mayor.
Source particle 'kara'.
名誉教授の称号が彼に授与された。
The title of Professor Emeritus was conferred upon him.
Formal title conferral.
この規定に基づき、学位を授与する。
Based on these regulations, the degree is conferred.
Formal phrase 'ni motozuki'.
授与される側の礼儀も重要である。
The etiquette of the recipient is also important.
Noun-modifying clause.
彼は多大な貢献により、市民栄誉賞を授与された。
He was awarded the Citizen's Honor Award for his significant contributions.
Cause particle 'ni yori'.
授与式では、代表者が謝辞を述べた。
At the ceremony, the representative gave a thank-you speech.
Formal context.
ノーベル平和賞の授与は世界中で注目される。
The awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize attracts worldwide attention.
Passive attention 'chumoku sareru'.
資格の授与には、試験の合格が必須条件だ。
Passing the exam is a prerequisite for the granting of the qualification.
Conditional context.
彼は二度もその賞を授与されるという快挙を成し遂げた。
He achieved the feat of being awarded the prize twice.
Explanatory 'to iu'.
学位授与の方針（ディプロマ・ポリシー）を明確にする必要がある。
It is necessary to clarify the policy for conferring degrees (Diploma Policy).
Academic terminology.
天皇陛下より親しく勲章を授与された。
The medal was personally conferred by His Majesty the Emperor.
Honorific context 'shinshiku'.
本学の規定に則り、修士の学位を授与する。
In accordance with the university's regulations, the Master's degree is conferred.
Legalistic phrase 'ni nottori'.
授与権限を持つ組織が、その正当性を保証する。
The organization with the authority to confer ensures its legitimacy.
Complex noun 'Juyo kengen'.
被授与者は、その名誉に恥じない行動が求められる。
The recipient is expected to act in a manner worthy of that honor.
Formal term 'Hijuyosha'.
叙勲の授与伝達式が、各省庁で執り行われた。
The ceremony for the conferral and delivery of honors was held at various ministries.
High-level administrative vocabulary.
彼はその功績により、終身称号を授与された。
He was conferred a lifetime title for his achievements.
Specific status 'Shushin shogo'.
学位の授与は、学問的到達度の公的な証明である。
The conferral of a degree is a public certification of academic attainment.
Abstract definition.
授与の法的効力は、官報への掲載をもって発生する。
The legal effect of the conferral takes place upon publication in the official gazette.
Legal jargon 'motte'.
当該称号の授与は、理事会の全会一致の決議を要する。
The conferral of the title in question requires a unanimous resolution by the board of directors.
Formal requirement 'o yosu'.
授与対象者の選定プロセスにおける透明性が議論の的となった。
The transparency of the selection process for the awardees became a subject of debate.
Complex sociopolitical context.
勲章の授与は、国家に対する格別の功労を顕彰するものである。
The conferral of decorations is intended to honor exceptional service to the state.
High-level 'kensho suru'.
学位授与機構は、多様な学習成果を評価し、学位を授与している。
The National Institution for Academic Degrees evaluates diverse learning outcomes and confers degrees.
Proper noun context.
授与の儀式は、古式ゆかしい伝統に則って厳粛に進行した。
The conferral ceremony proceeded solemnly in accordance with ancient and elegant traditions.
Descriptive formal language.
被授与者が欠格事由に該当する場合、授与は取り消されることがある。
If the recipient falls under any grounds for disqualification, the conferral may be revoked.
Legal conditional 'baai'.
権限の授与（デレゲーション）は、組織運営の要諦である。
The delegation (conferral) of authority is the essence of organizational management.
Metaphorical/Business usage.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Often Confused With
Zoutei is for gifts/presentations; Juyo is for official awards/titles.
Koufu is for issuing documents like licenses; Juyo is for honors.
Fuyo is for granting rights, points, or abstract things; Juyo is for formal recognition.
Idioms & Expressions
Easily Confused
Sentence Patterns
[Organization] は [Person] に [Award] を授与した。
[Award] の授与が行われた。
[Person] は [Award] を授与される栄誉に浴した。
[Award] 授与の基準は以下の通りです。
学位授与式に出席する。
多大なる功績に対し、勲章を授与する。
授与された賞状を飾る。
誰に授与するかを検討する。
How to Use It
Implies a formal event, even if small.
The giver must be 'above' the receiver in the context of the award.
Usually involves a physical token of recognition.
- Using it for friends.
- Confusing with '需要' (Demand).
- Using it for government documents like passports.
- Using it for giving points or digital currency.
- Forgetting the 'suru' in verb form.
Tips
Graduation Context
Whenever you see a diploma, think '授与'. It is the most common real-world application of the word for most people. Practice saying '卒業証書授与' to sound like a native principal.
Passive Voice
In news writing, the passive '授与された' is much more common than the active voice. It focuses the attention on the person who achieved something great. Use this in your essays.
Synonym Check
If you are giving flowers, use '贈呈'. If you are giving a driver's license, use '交付'. If you are giving a Nobel Prize, use '授与'. This distinction is key for JLPT N1/N2.
The Two-Hand Rule
In Japan, anything that is 'juyo-ed' must be handled with two hands. This physical action is the silent partner to the word '授与'. It shows respect for the object and the occasion.
Suru-Verb Power
Remember that '授与' is a noun that becomes a verb. This makes it very flexible. You can use it as a subject ('授与が遅れる') or an action ('授与する').
News Keywords
When listening to Japanese news, words like '功績' (achievements) and '称える' (to praise) often appear near '授与'. They are part of the same formal vocabulary family.
Hierarchy Awareness
Only use '授与' when there is a clear 'higher' and 'lower' relationship in the context of the award. It reinforces the social structure of the ceremony.
The 'Ju' of Junior
Think of a 'Junior' receiving a prize from a 'Senior'. The 'Ju' in Junior can remind you of the 'Ju' in Juyo. (Though 'Ju' actually means impart!)
Corporate Awards
If your company wins an industry award, use '授与されました' in the company newsletter. It sounds much more professional than 'もらいました'.
Degree Conferral
In academic papers, use '学位授与' to refer to the process of graduation. It is the standard technical term used by the Ministry of Education (MEXT).
Memorize It
Word Origin
Cultural Context
Receiving something that is 'juyo-ed' requires using 'itadaku' (humble receive) in speech.
The 'Sotsugyoshiki' is the most common place a Japanese person encounters this word.
Twice a year, the Emperor confers honors (Jokun), a major national event involving 授与.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Conversation Starters
"卒業式で証書を授与された時の気持ちはどうでしたか？"
"日本で最も名誉ある授与は何だと思いますか？"
"最近、何か賞を授与されたニュースを見ましたか？"
"あなたの国では、学位の授与式はどのように行われますか？"
"授与式に出席したことがありますか？"
Journal Prompts
もし自分がノーベル賞を授与されたら、どんなスピーチをしますか？
人生で一番嬉しかった授与の経験について書いてください。
「授与」と「プレゼント」の違いについて、自分の言葉で説明してください。
将来、どのような称号を授与されたいですか？
授与式の伝統は、現代社会でも必要だと思いますか？
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, that would sound very strange and overly formal. Use 'プレゼント' or '贈り物' instead. '授与' is only for official awards or certificates from an authority.
'授与' is the act of giving the award (from the giver's perspective). '受賞' is the act of receiving the award (from the winner's perspective). For example, 'The committee conferred (授与) the prize, and the scientist received (受賞) it.'
Yes, but only for formal awards like 'Employee of the Year' or when a company receives a certification from a governing body. It is not used for regular salary or bonuses.
The most common term is '授与式' (Juyo-shiki). Depending on the prize, you might also hear '表彰式' (Hyoushou-shiki).
Generally, no. For digital points or access rights, '付与' (fuyo) is the correct term. '授与' implies a ceremonial or formal conferral of status.
It is a formal word (Keigo-adjacent in tone), but it is not an honorific verb itself. You make it polite by adding 'します' or using 'いたします'.
It is the formal term for the person who receives the award or degree. '被' is a prefix meaning 'the one who receives the action'.
Yes, the Emperor confers medals (勲章) in a ceremony called '親授式' (Shinju-shiki), which is a high-level form of 授与.
Yes, it is 'Atamadaka' (1), meaning the first syllable is high. This helps distinguish it from '需要' (demand), which is 'Heiban' (0).
No. For giving advice, use '助言する' or 'アドバイスをあげる'. '授与' is strictly for formal honors and degrees.
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Summary
授与 is the 'gold standard' word for formal awarding. Use it when an institution (school, government, organization) recognizes an individual's achievement with a physical or symbolic honor. It elevates the act of giving to a ritual.
- 授与 (Juyo) means the formal act of awarding or conferring prizes, degrees, or honors from an authority to a recipient in a ceremonial setting.
- It is a highly formal 'kango' word, commonly used in contexts like graduation ceremonies, government award announcements, and academic degree conferrals.
- Grammatically, it functions as a noun or a suru-verb (授与する), often appearing in the passive voice (授与される) in news reports and formal documents.
- Unlike casual giving, 授与 requires a sense of hierarchy and merit, making it inappropriate for personal gifts between friends or family members.
Graduation Context
Whenever you see a diploma, think '授与'. It is the most common real-world application of the word for most people. Practice saying '卒業証書授与' to sound like a native principal.
Passive Voice
In news writing, the passive '授与された' is much more common than the active voice. It focuses the attention on the person who achieved something great. Use this in your essays.
Synonym Check
If you are giving flowers, use '贈呈'. If you are giving a driver's license, use '交付'. If you are giving a Nobel Prize, use '授与'. This distinction is key for JLPT N1/N2.
The Two-Hand Rule
In Japan, anything that is 'juyo-ed' must be handled with two hands. This physical action is the silent partner to the word '授与'. It shows respect for the object and the occasion.
Example
学位を授与します。
Related Content
More Education words
学歴
A1Academic background or educational record. It refers to the history of schools a person has attended and the degrees or qualifications they have obtained.
習得
A1The process of learning and mastering a specific skill, knowledge, or technique through study and practice. It implies reaching a level of proficiency where the skill can be applied effectively.
入学
A1Nyūgaku refers to the act of entering or being admitted into a school or educational institution. It covers everything from elementary school to university and is a major milestone in Japanese life.
解答
A1A solution or answer to a problem, specifically for tests, puzzles, or mathematical questions. It refers to the process or result of finding the correct response to a formal query.
証書
A1A formal document or certificate that serves as written evidence of a fact, right, or obligation. It is commonly used for legal, financial, or official purposes such as diplomas, insurance policies, or contracts.
授業
A1A class or lesson conducted by a teacher in a school or educational setting. It refers to the specific period of instruction and the activities involved in teaching students.
教室
A1A physical room in a school or educational institution where students are taught. It can also refer to a specific course of study or a private lesson, such as a music or cooking class.
修了
A1Completion of a specific course of study, training program, or curriculum. It signifies that a student has met all the requirements to finish an educational unit successfully.
講座
A1A formal series of lectures, a specific course of study, or a workshop focusing on a particular subject. It is often used in universities, adult education centers, or online learning platforms to describe a structured educational program.
育成
A1The process of nurturing, developing, or training someone or something to reach a certain level of ability or maturity. It is widely used for human resource development, skill acquisition, and biological cultivation.
