佳作
佳作 is the Japanese way to say honorable mention.
The term 佳作 is most commonly used in the context of literary, art or photography contests to denote a work that was highly commended but did not win a top prize.
Meaning: award or recognition (noun)
Did you know?
- While 佳作 is standard, some Japanese contests use 奨励賞 meaning 'encouragement prize' to achieve a similar goal of recognizing promising but non-winning work.
- The word 佳作 is composed of two characters that literally translate to 'excellent work', making the phrase sound more like a compliment than a consolation prize.
- In traditional Japanese arts like calligraphy or ink painting, receiving a 佳作 status can be a significant milestone for a student's formal portfolio.
Examples in context
- 今回のコンクールで佳作に選ばれた。Konkai no konkuuru de kasaku ni erabareta.I was selected for an honorable mention in this contest.
- 彼女の作品は佳作として表彰された。Kanojo no sakuhin wa kasaku to shite hyoushou sareta.Her work was recognized as an honorable mention.
- 賞は最優秀賞と佳作のみです。Shou wa saiyuushuushou to kasaku nomi desu.The awards are only the grand prize and honorable mentions.
Example conversation
Ren and Yui are talking about a recent art competition.
- 蓮 Ren結衣、コンクールの結果はどうだった？Yui, konkuuru no kekka wa dou datta?Yui, how was the result of the contest?
- 結衣 Yui残念ながら、佳作止まりだったよ。Zannennagara, kasaku domari datta yo.Unfortunately, it was only an honorable mention.
- 蓮 Renそれでも佳作に選ばれるなんてすごいよ！Soredemo kasaku ni erabareru nante sugoi yo!Even so, being chosen for an honorable mention is amazing!
- 結衣 Yui蓮くん、ありがとう。次はもっと頑張るね。Ren-kun, arigatou. Tsugi wa motto ganbaru ne.Thanks, Ren. I will try harder next time.
