Related words 祝賀 is a common two-character compound for celebration or congratulation, while 賀 alone is a bound, formal element rarely used by itself.
祝い is the everyday word for a celebration or congratulatory gesture, whereas 賀 is a formal, literary term mainly seen in compounds like 賀状 .
Word family· 20 celebration; congratulations
wishes of happiness; respectful congratulations
Uga-jin; god of harvests and wealth
congratulatory visit to the Imperial Palace
respectful congratulations
Show 9 more Show fewer long-life celebrations; special birthday celebrations for the 61st, 77th, and 88th birthdays
respectful congratulations
congratulation; celebration
congratulations; formal congratulations
your coming; your honored visit
longevity celebration
congratulate
celebratory ceremony; celebration
celebratory banquet; feast
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Etymology The kanji 賀 is composed of 加 (add) and 貝 (shell/money), originally meaning 'to add gifts' and later extended to 'congratulate'. The reading が is the on'yomi.
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