熨斗(のし)

のし
noun
decorative gift paper; noshi
1. decorative paper or ornament for gifts
A traditional Japanese decorative element attached to formal gifts, originally strips of dried abalone but now typically a printed design on gift wrapping paper.
お祝(いわ)いの品(しな)には熨斗(のし)を付(つ)けてもらった。
I had noshi attached to the celebratory gift.
熨斗(のし)紙(がみ)に名前(なまえ)を書(か)いてください。
Please write your name on the noshi paper.
結婚祝(けっこんいわ)いには紅白(こうはく)の熨斗(のし)を使(つか)う。
For wedding gifts, red and white noshi is used.

CULTURAL CONTEXT: 熨斗(のし) is an essential element of formal Japanese gift-giving etiquette.

ORIGIN: Originally 熨斗鮑(のしあわび) - strips of dried abalone stretched thin, symbolizing longevity. Now represented by a stylized design.

COMPONENTS OF 熨斗(のし)紙(がみ):

  • 水引(みずひき): decorative cord/ribbon
  • 熨斗(のし): the ornament (upper right)
  • 表書(おもてが)き: purpose of the gift
  • 名前(なまえ): giver's name (below center)

USAGE BY OCCASION:

  • 祝儀(しゅうぎ) (celebrations): uses 熨斗(のし)
  • 不祝儀(ぶしゅうぎ) (condolences): NO 熨斗(のし)

WHEN NOT TO USE:

  • Funerals and memorial services
  • Gifts of fresh food or fish (already from the sea)
  • Some casual gift occasions

COMMON PHRASES:

  • 熨斗(のし)を付(つ)ける: to add noshi
  • 熨斗(のし)紙(がみ): noshi wrapping paper
  • 内熨斗(うちのし): noshi inside wrapping
  • 外熨斗(そとのし): noshi outside wrapping
general
Added 2026.1.19 8:54 · Revised 2026.1.19 21:17
07000/07133_noshi