also: おとしだま
noun
New Year's gift; otoshidama
Money given to children at New Year's. The polite form お年玉 is far more common in modern Japanese.
See also: お年玉
お年玉をもらった子供たちは嬉しそうだ。
The children who received New Year's money look happy.
今年のお年玉はいくらにしようか。
How much should I give for New Year's money this year?
Polite form with honorific お; this is the usual way to refer to the gift in modern Japanese.
年 (year) + 玉 (ball, jewel). Originally referred to round rice cakes given at New Year's, later extended to money gifts.