Is 贘 commonly used in modern Chinese?

No, 贘 is an archaic variant character. The standard modern form is 赏 (shǎng). 贘 is primarily encountered in historical texts or classical contexts.

What is the main difference between 贘 and 赏?

There is no difference in meaning. 贘 is simply a historical variant form of 赏. Both mean to reward, bestow, or appreciate.

Would 贘 be suitable for a personal name?

Generally not recommended. As a variant character, it is obscure and may cause practical issues with recognition and computer systems. The standard form 赏 is preferred if this meaning is desired for a name.

贘Tone 3

shǎng ｜ 22 strokes ｜ radical:

Prev善上Next

贘 · shǎng

An ancient variant form of 赏 (shǎng), meaning to reward, bestow, or appreciate.

An ancient variant form of 赏 (shǎng), meaning

Usage highlights

To reward and bestowTo appreciate and admireReward for meritReward moneyTo reward an army

Synonyms

赏— to reward, bestow, appreciate (standard form)
奖— to award, prize
赐— to grant, bestow (often by superior)

Antonyms

罚— to punish, penalize
惩— to discipline, punish

Usage & contexts

Examples

The emperor bestowed a reward (贘赐).
Appreciating the beauty of art (贘鉴艺术).
A reward for meritorious service (贘功).

Collocations

To reward and bestow(贘赐)
To appreciate and admire(贘鉴)
Reward for merit(贘功)
Reward money(贘金)
To reward an army(贘军)

Idioms

Appreciate the moon and enjoy the flowers(贘月观花)
Reward the good and punish the evil(贘善罚恶)
Reward for meritorious service and punishment for crimes(贘功罚罪)

Cultural background

FAQ

贘 is a historical variant of the more common character 赏, which carries strong cultural connotations of imperial favor and recognition.
In traditional Chinese culture, the act of 'shang' (赏/贘) was central to the relationship between rulers and subjects, symbolizing grace, merit, and social hierarchy.
The concept extends beyond material rewards to include the appreciation of beauty, art, and nature.

贘 (shǎng) - An ancient variant form of 赏 (shǎng), meaning