1.
condolence money, funeral offering
Money given to the bereaved family at funerals or memorial services. Presented in special envelopes with appropriate formatting.
不祝儀袋に名前を書いた。
I wrote my name on the condolence money envelope.
不祝儀の相場は関係性によって異なる。
The appropriate amount for condolence money varies depending on the relationship.
不祝儀は新札ではなく使い古したお札を入れるのがマナーだ。
It is proper etiquette to put used bills, not new ones, in condolence money envelopes.
2.
unhappy event, mourning occasion
A euphemism for death, funerals, or other unfortunate events.
不祝儀があって急に帰省することになった。
A death in the family came up, so I have to suddenly return home.
来月不祝儀があるので、黒いスーツを用意しなければならない。
I have a funeral next month, so I need to prepare a black suit.
今年は不祝儀が続いて気が重い。
Funerals have been one after another this year, and it's weighing on me.
ETYMOLOGY: 不 (un-, non-) + 祝儀 (congratulatory gift). Literally "non-celebratory gift," a euphemism for funeral money.
CONTRAST WITH 祝儀:
- 祝儀: money given at happy events (weddings, births)
- 不祝儀: money given at sad events (funerals, memorials)
ENVELOPE ETIQUETTE:
- Use 不祝儀袋 (special mourning envelopes)
- Black and white or silver ties on envelope
- Write name in 薄墨 (light ink) traditionally
- Never use new bills (fold them once first)
APPROPRIATE AMOUNTS (general guide):
- 知人 (acquaintance): 3,000-5,000円
- 友人 (friend): 5,000-10,000円
- 親戚 (relative): 10,000-50,000円
- 親 (parent): 50,000-100,000円
RELATED TERMS:
- 香典 (incense money - synonym for funeral offering)
- 御霊前 (offering to the spirit)
- 御仏前 (offering to the Buddha)
- 弔問 (condolence visit)
Related Words
Antonym:
祝儀 (congratulatory money)
Synonym:
香典 (funeral offering)
Antonym:
ご祝儀 (congratulatory money)