noun
congratulatory words; prayer for happiness
Refers to spoken or written expressions of celebration and well-wishing, often used in formal or ceremonial settings such as weddings, New Year, or auspicious occasions.
結婚式で祝言を述べる。
Deliver congratulatory words at a wedding ceremony.
新年の祝言を交わす。
Exchange New Year's greetings of happiness.
祝辞 is a more common and general term for a congratulatory speech or address, while 祝言 can carry a slightly more traditional or ceremonial nuance, sometimes implying a prayer-like wish for happiness.
祝詞 specifically refers to Shinto ritual prayers or congratulatory words in a religious context, whereas 祝言 is broader and not limited to Shinto.
Compound of 祝い (iwai, 'celebration') + 言 (koto, 'word'). The kanji 祝 means 'celebrate' or 'congratulate', and 言 means 'word' or 'speech'. The reading いわいごと reflects the combination of these elements.