Translation guide
In Japanese culture, giving a gift to celebrate a happy occasion is common. The type of gift and the way it is given depend on the occasion, relationship, and formality. This guide covers how to express 'congratulatory gift' naturally in Japanese.
A gift given to celebrate a happy event such as a wedding, birth, new home, or promotion.
The most common and versatile word for a congratulatory gift. Can be used for almost any celebratory occasion.
結婚のお祝いを贈りました。
I sent a wedding gift.
出産のお祝いに何がいいですか？
What would be good for a baby gift?
A more formal term for a congratulatory gift, often used in written language or formal speech.
祝いの品をお送りいたします。
We will send a congratulatory gift.
Refers specifically to a monetary gift given at celebrations, especially weddings. Often placed in a special envelope.
結婚式の祝儀はいくら包めばいいですか？
How much money should I put in the wedding gift envelope?
Cash given as a congratulatory gift, typically in a special envelope.
Polite term for monetary gift. The prefix ご adds politeness. Commonly used for weddings and other formal celebrations.
ご祝儀はいくらが相場ですか？
What is the standard amount for a monetary gift?
Literally 'congratulatory money'. A straightforward term for cash gifts, used in various contexts.
お祝い金を渡しました。
I gave a cash gift.
A gift given in return for a congratulatory gift or attendance at a celebration.
A gift given to express gratitude for a congratulatory gift or to share joy. Common for weddings, births, and other celebrations.
出産の内祝いを贈りました。
I sent a return gift for the baby celebration.
Specifically a gift given to guests at a wedding reception. Often a catalog gift or item chosen by the couple.
When giving a congratulatory gift in Japan, presentation matters. Use special wrapping (熨斗袋 for money) and avoid giving gifts in sets of four, as the number four (四) is associated with death.
結婚式の引き出物はカタログギフトでした。
The wedding favor was a catalog gift.