pohvala

1. praise; compliment
   Šef je imao samo reči pohvale za naš tim. — The boss had nothing but praise for our team.
   Deca rade bolje kad dobiju pohvalu. — Children do better when they get praise.
2. (at school, at work) commendation
   Na kraju godine dobila je pohvalu za odličan uspeh. — At the end of the year she got a commendation for excellent grades.

Common patterns are "dobiti pohvalu" (to receive praise) and "pohvala za + acc." (praise for something).