褒美

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 褒美 is read ほうび and means a reward for good conduct or effort.
• Basic usage: In 約束を守った褒美に、父が本を買ってくれた。, the speaker's father buys them a book as a reward for keeping a promise.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Something received as a reward
  • 褒美 refers to a rewarding object or enjoyable experience rather than words of praise themselves. It also applies to rewarding oneself, as in 自分への褒美.