Translation guide
A gift given in return for a received gift, often in social or ceremonial contexts. In Japanese culture, this is a common practice with specific terms depending on the occasion.
A gift given to reciprocate a received gift, not tied to a specific formal occasion.
The most common and versatile term for a return gift. Can be used in both casual and polite contexts.
先日はプレゼントをありがとう。これはお返しです。
Thank you for the present the other day. This is a return gift.
A more formal term for a return gift or reciprocation, often used in written or official contexts.
ご厚意に対する返礼の品をお送りしました。
We have sent a return gift as a token of our appreciation for your kindness.
A gift given in return for a monetary gift or gift received at formal ceremonies such as weddings or funerals.
A return gift given to guests at a wedding reception or banquet. Often a catalog gift or a physical item.
結婚式の引き出物にカタログギフトを選びました。
We chose a catalog gift as the return gift for our wedding.
A return gift given for celebratory occasions such as births, weddings, or new homes. It is often given to those who gave gifts or money.
A gift given in return for a mid-year or year-end gift, following the custom of reciprocal giving.
Also used for seasonal return gifts. The same term applies, but context makes it clear.
お中元のお返しにビールを送りました。
I sent beer as a return gift for the mid-year gift.
A small, often immediate return gift given in casual settings, like when someone brings a gift to your home.
A humble phrase used when giving a return gift, meaning 'This is just a small token of my appreciation.' It downplays the gift.
先日は結構なものをいただきまして。つまらないものですが、お返しです。
Thank you for the wonderful gift the other day. This is just a small return gift.
お返し is the everyday term for a return gift, suitable for most situations. 返礼 is more formal and often used in business or official correspondence.
友人へのお返しを買いました。
I bought a return gift for my friend.
取引先への返礼を手配しました。
We arranged a return gift for our business partner.
In Japan, return gifts are often given promptly, but for formal occasions like weddings, they may be given at the event itself. For seasonal gifts, it's common to send a return gift within a few weeks.
A return gift given to those who offered condolence money (香典) at a funeral.
香典返しの品物を手配しました。
We arranged the return gifts for the funeral offerings.
出産の内祝いにお菓子を贈りました。
We sent sweets as a return gift for the birth celebration.