1.
a return gift; a reciprocal gift given in response to receiving a gift
a gift given to someone who previously gave you a gift, as part of Japanese gift-giving etiquette
バレンタインのお返しを渡した。
I gave a return gift for Valentine's Day.
結婚式の祝儀へのお返しを準備している。
I'm preparing return gifts for the wedding gift money.
お返しは頂いた金額の半分ぐらいが目安です。
A return gift should be about half the value of what you received.
FORMATION:
お (honorific prefix) + 返し (returning) → returning (a favor/gift)
JAPANESE GIFT CULTURE:
お返し is an important part of Japanese social customs. When you receive a gift, you are generally expected to give something in return.
COMMON お返し OCCASIONS:
- ホワイトデー (White Day - return for Valentine's)
- 内祝い (return gift for celebratory gifts)
- 香典返し (return gift for condolence money)
VALUE GUIDELINES:
- 半返し: Return gift worth half the original value (standard)
- 三分の一返し: Return gift worth one-third
RELATED TERMS:
- 内祝い (celebratory return gift)
- 香典返し (funeral return gift)
- 引出物 (wedding favor)