Inklingo

How to Say "award" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “award” is “premio” — use 'premio' for a general award or prize, especially when it involves winning something or a tangible reward, like money or a medal.

English → Spanish

premio

PREH-mee-ohˈpɾe.mjo

nounA2honorary recognition
Use 'premio' for a general award or prize, especially when it involves winning something or a tangible reward, like money or a medal.
A shiny golden trophy cup sitting on a wooden pedestal.

Examples

El equipo recibió un premio de diez mil euros por ganar el torneo.

The team received a prize of ten thousand euros for winning the tournament.

Ese actor ganó el premio a mejor película el año pasado.

That actor won the award for best movie last year.

Gender Check

'Premio' is always a masculine noun, so use 'el premio' (the prize) or 'un premio' (a prize).

Confusing 'Premio' and 'Precio'

Mistake: “Using 'precio' (price) when you mean 'premio' (prize).”

Correction: Remember 'premio' is the reward you win, and 'precio' is the money you pay.

trofeo

tro-FEH-ohtɾoˈfeo

nounA2recognition for winning
Choose 'trofeo' specifically when the award is a physical object like a cup or statue that symbolizes victory.
A shiny gold trophy cup with two handles sitting on a wooden base.

Examples

El capitán levantó el trofeo después del partido.

The captain lifted the trophy after the game.

Tengo mis trofeos de natación en una estantería.

I have my swimming trophies on a shelf.

Gender and Articles

This word is masculine. Always use 'el' or 'un' with it: 'el trofeo' (the trophy) or 'un trofeo' (a trophy).

Don't confuse with 'premio'

Mistake: “Using 'trofeo' for every kind of prize.”

Correction: Use 'trofeo' specifically for the physical object (like a cup). Use 'premio' for general prizes, money, or scholarships.

mención

nounB1official recognition of merit
Use 'mención' to indicate official recognition of merit that is not necessarily the top prize, often an 'honorable mention'.

Examples

Su dibujo recibió una mención honorífica en el concurso.

Her drawing received an honorable mention in the contest.

reconocimiento

reh-koh-noh-see-mee-EN-tohre.ko.no.siˈmjento

nounB2prize or honor given
Employ 'reconocimiento' when the award is for significant contributions or achievements, highlighting acknowledgment rather than a competitive prize.
A stylized golden trophy resting on a pedestal, symbolizing an honor or prize.

Examples

Recibió un reconocimiento por sus contribuciones a la ciencia.

He received an award for his contributions to science.

Quiero expresar mi más profundo reconocimiento por su generosidad.

I want to express my deepest gratitude for your generosity.

Formal Thanks

Using 'reconocimiento' to express thanks is stronger and more formal than just saying 'gracias' or 'agradecimiento.' It emphasizes the value of the action being appreciated.

distinción

nounB2a prize or honor given for excellence
Select 'distinción' when referring to an honor or prize given for outstanding excellence, often in academic or formal settings.

Examples

Se graduó con una distinción en matemáticas.

He graduated with an award in mathematics.

Distinguishing 'Premio' from 'Reconocimiento'

Learners often confuse 'premio' and 'reconocimiento'. Remember that 'premio' usually implies a prize won in a competition or a tangible reward, while 'reconocimiento' is broader, focusing on acknowledgment for achievements or contributions.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.