下賜

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 下賜(かし) is a formal term for a person of high rank bestowing an item on someone of lower rank.
• Basic usage: It describes receiving a commemorative sword from the king in recognition of one's service.
  • 功績を認められ、王から記念の剣を下賜された。

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Giver and recipient
  • In 王が品を下賜する, the king is the giver. In 王から品を下賜される, the subject is the recipient of the king's gift.
• Formality and hierarchy
  • 贈る(おくる) broadly means to give a gift. 下賜 expresses a difference in rank and is not normally used for gifts between friends on equal terms.