1.
condolence money; funeral offering
Money given to the bereaved family at a funeral to help cover expenses and as a gesture of sympathy.
香典を持って葬儀に参列する。
To attend the funeral with condolence money.
香典は香典袋に入れて渡す。
Condolence money is given in a special envelope.
香典返しをいただいた。
I received a return gift for the condolence money.
ETYMOLOGY:
香 (incense) + 典 (offering) — originally an offering of incense for the deceased
PRESENTATION:
- Given in a special envelope called 香典袋 or 不祝儀袋
- The envelope is typically black and white or silver
- Bills should be old (not new/crisp) and face down
AMOUNT:
Depends on relationship to the deceased:
- Acquaintance: 3,000-5,000 yen
- Friend/colleague: 5,000-10,000 yen
- Close relative: 10,000-100,000 yen
- Avoid amounts with 4 or 9 (unlucky numbers)
香典返し:
The bereaved family sends return gifts to those who gave 香典, typically worth 1/3 to 1/2 of the amount received.
RELATED TERMS:
- 不祝儀: condolence money (more formal term)
- 祝儀: money gift for celebrations (opposite context)
Related Words
Antonym:
祝儀 (celebratory money)