栄誉
eiyo[e̞ːjo̞]
The English phrase "honors" is translated into Japanese as 栄誉 (eiyo).
栄誉 refers to high awards or special recognition given to someone for their achievements. A common way to express the idea of being bestowed with such honors is through the phrase 栄誉を授かる.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the kanji 栄, meaning glory or prosperity and 誉, meaning honor or praise.
Which one should you use?
While 栄誉 refers specifically to high-level achievements and glory, 名誉 is a more general term used for honor, reputation or prestige.
How do you pronounce it?
eiyo
Did you know?
- In Japanese culture, receiving 栄誉 often involves a process of 'humble refusal' where the recipient initially declines the honor to show modesty before finally accepting it.
- In Japanese, the kanji 栄 used in 栄誉 originally referred to the blooming of a plant, specifically the flourishing of flowers or greenery.
- If you wish to say someone 'honors' a promise, you would not use 栄誉, but rather the verb 守る (to protect/keep).
Examples in context
- 彼女はその賞を受賞して、光栄に思っています。She feels honored to have received that award.
- そのポジションに選ばれて、すごい名誉だと思うよ。I think it's an amazing honor to be chosen for that position.
- 彼は科学の栄誉を手にした。Kare wa kagaku no eiyo o te ni shita.He achieved scientific honors.
- 彼女は国家の栄誉に浴した。Kanojo wa kokka no eiyo ni yokushita.She received national honors.
Example conversation
Kenta and Yui are talking about a famous athlete's achievement.
- 健太 Kenta彼はオリンピックで栄誉を手にしたね。Kare wa orimpikku de eiyo o te ni shita ne.He received honors at the Olympics, didn't he?
- 結衣 Yuiええ、本当に素晴らしい功績です。Ee, hontō ni subarashii kōseki desu.Yes, it is a truly wonderful achievement.
- 健太 Kentaあの栄誉は誰にでも得られるものではないよ。Ano eiyo wa dare ni demo erareru mono de wa nai yo.That honor is not something anyone can obtain.
- 結衣 Yuiその通りですね。Sono tōri desu ne.That is exactly right.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 栄誉, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
