不祝儀(ぶしゅうぎ)

ぶしゅうぎ
noun
condolence money, funeral offering
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(ぶしゅうぎ)袋(ぶくろ)に名前(なまえ)を書(か)いた。
I wrote my name on the condolence money envelope.
不祝儀(ぶしゅうぎ)の相場(そうば)は関係性(かんけいせい)→noentryによって異(こと)なる。
The appropriate amount for condolence money varies depending on the relationship.
不祝儀(ぶしゅうぎ)は新札(しんさつ)ではなく使(つか)い古(ふる)したお札(さつ)を入(い)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(ぶしゅうぎ)があって急(きゅう)に帰省(きせい)することになった。
A death in the family came up, so I have to suddenly return home.
来月(らいげつ)不祝儀(ぶしゅうぎ)があるので、黒(くろ)いスーツを用意(ようい)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(ことし)は不祝儀(ぶしゅうぎ)が続(つづ)いて気(き)が重(おも)い。
Funerals have been one after another this year, and it's weighing on me.

ETYMOLOGY: 不(ふ) (un-, non-) + 祝儀(しゅうぎ) (congratulatory gift). Literally "non-celebratory gift," a euphemism for funeral money.

CONTRAST WITH 祝儀(しゅうぎ):

  • 祝儀(しゅうぎ): money given at happy events (weddings, births)
  • 不祝儀(ぶしゅうぎ): money given at sad events (funerals, memorials)

ENVELOPE ETIQUETTE:

  • Use 不祝儀(ぶしゅうぎ)袋(ぶくろ) (special mourning envelopes)
  • Black and white or silver ties on envelope
  • Write name in 薄墨(うすずみ)→noentry (light ink) traditionally
  • Never use new bills (fold them once first)

APPROPRIATE AMOUNTS (general guide):

RELATED TERMS:

Related Words

Antonym: 祝儀(しゅうぎ) (congratulatory money)
Synonym: 香典(こうでん) (funeral offering)
Antonym: ご祝儀(しゅうぎ) (congratulatory money)
general
Added 2026.1.17 23:41 · Revised 2026.7.11 3:23
06000/06445_bushuugi