clear · commend

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 彰 has 14 strokes and the on-reading しょう. 表彰 (ひょうしょう) and 顕彰 (けんしょう) express recognition of achievements.
• Basic usage: 表彰 means giving a commendation for service or outstanding work; 顕彰 means publicly honoring achievements.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• The focus of 表彰 and 顕彰
  • 職員を式典で表彰した means honored an employee at a ceremony. 優秀な作品の表彰 likewise refers to awards for outstanding works.
  • 顕彰する碑 means a monument honoring achievements. 業績を顕彰する賞 describes an award publicly honoring a researcher's achievements.