勲章|くんしょうkunshou[0]heiban (flat)

1. noundecoration; order; medal
   その勇敢ゆうかんな行為こういで彼かれは勲章くんしょうを貰もらった。↗

   His brave deeds earned him a medal.

• Synonym褒章ほうしょうFormalFormal term for Japan's medals of honour for distinguished achievement in various fields, as in 「紫綬褒章」; a separate category of honour from 「勲章」.
• SynonymメダルNeutralNeutral loanword for medals given at competitions or as commemoratives, as in 「金メダル」. 「勲章」 is a decoration conferred by the state.
• Related褒賞ほうしょうWrittenWritten style: money, goods or certificates awarded for outstanding deeds or works. 「勲章」 is a state decoration, but also a metaphor for something to be proud of.
• Related月桂冠げっけいかんWrittenWritten style: a wreath woven from laurel branches, symbolizing victory and honour. 「勲章」 is a state decoration.
• Related桂冠けいかんWrittenWritten style: a laurel crown, or an honorary title as in 「桂冠詩人」. 「勲章」 is a physical badge.
• Related胸章きょうしょうNeutralA badge worn on the chest, regardless of who awards it. 「勲章」 is a state decoration, also used figuratively.

Use 「勲章」 for state-conferred decorations, also as a metaphor for a proud mark, as in 「傷は男の勲章」. For Japan's medals of honour use 「褒章」, for sports medals 「メダル」, for any chest badge 「胸章」, for laurel wreaths 「桂冠」/「月桂冠」, and for rewards or prizes 「褒賞」.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

1. 国家こっかや公共こうきょうに対たいする勲功くんこう・功労こうろうを表彰ひょうしょうして国家こっかから授さずけられる賞牌しょうはい、記章きしょう。日本にっぽんでは、勲章くんしょうは、菊花きっか章しょう、桐花とうか章しょう、旭日章きょくじつしょう、瑞宝章ずいほうしょう、宝冠ほうかん章しょう及および文化ぶんか勲章くんしょうに大別たいべつされる。