substitute for a proper greeting; something given in lieu of a greeting
Refers to a gift, gesture, or action that serves as an informal greeting, often when a proper verbal greeting is omitted or replaced.
I gave a small gift as a substitute for a proper greeting.
A slight bow served as a greeting.
Standard kanji spelling.
Mixed kanji-kana spelling; 代わり is written in kana.
Mixed kana-kanji spelling; 挨拶 is written in kana.
Compound of 挨拶 (aisatsu, 'greeting') + 代わり (kawari, 'substitute').