1.
congratulatory gift money, wedding gift money
Money given as a gift for celebrations, especially weddings. Typically presented in a special envelope.
ご祝儀はいくら包む？
How much gift money should we give?
結婚式の祝儀は三万円が相場だ。
The standard wedding gift money is 30,000 yen.
祝儀袋に新札を入れて、名前を丁寧に書いた。
I put new bills in the gift money envelope and carefully wrote my name on it.
2.
tip, gratuity
A monetary tip given to service workers such as hotel staff or moving workers.
旅館で祝儀を渡した。
I gave a tip at the inn.
引っ越し業者に祝儀を渡した。
I gave a tip to the moving company workers.
仲居さんに祝儀を渡すかどうか迷っている。
I'm wondering whether to give a tip to the waitress at the inn.
USAGE: 祝儀 primarily refers to gift money for happy occasions. The amount and presentation follow strict etiquette.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 祝儀袋 (gift money envelope for celebrations)
- ご祝儀 (polite form)
- 祝儀を渡す (to give congratulatory money)
ETIQUETTE:
- Use odd numbers (3万, 5万, 7万円) as even numbers can be divided (symbolizing separation)
- Use new, crisp bills
- Use appropriate 祝儀袋 with decorative ties (水引)
OPPOSITE:
- 不祝儀・香典 - money given for funerals/condolences