(いわ)

おいわい
noun
congratulations; celebration; gift
1. congratulations, celebration
The act of celebrating or congratulating someone on a happy occasion.
(いわ)言葉(ことば)
Words of congratulations
To celebrate a birthday.
The whole family celebrated together.
2. celebratory gift
A gift given to celebrate a special occasion.
(いわ)(なに)いい
What would be good as a gift?
I sent a wedding gift.
I can't decide what to send as a baby gift.

(いわ)い is a polite noun meaning 'celebration' or 'congratulatory gift.'

Formation: お (honorific prefix) + (いわ)い (from (いわ)う, to celebrate)

Common occasions:

  • 結婚(けっこん)のお(いわ)い: wedding gift
  • 出産(しゅっさん)のお(いわ)い: baby gift
  • 入学(にゅうがく)のお(いわ)い: gift for starting school
  • 誕生日(たんじょうび)のお(いわ)い: birthday celebration/gift

Related expressions:

  • (いわ)いを()う: to offer congratulations
  • (いわ)(もう)()げます: formal congratulations

[Register: Polite]