礼 状(れいじょう)

れいじょう

noun

thank-you letter; letter of thanks

1. thank-you letter; letter of thanks

A formal written expression of gratitude, typically sent after receiving a gift, attending an event, or being helped. An important part of Japanese social etiquette.

お中元(ちゅうげん)の礼状(れいじょう)を書(か)いた。

I wrote a thank-you letter for the mid-year gift.

面接(めんせつ)の後(あと)、礼状(れいじょう)を送(おく)るのがマナーだ。

It is good manners to send a thank-you letter after an interview.

贈(おく)り物(もの)が届(とど)いたら、できるだけ早(はや)く礼状(れいじょう)を出(だ)すようにしている。

When I receive a gift, I try to send a thank-you letter as soon as possible.

Usage: Sending a 礼状(れいじょう) is an important part of Japanese social customs. Common occasions include receiving seasonal gifts (お中元(ちゅうげん), お歳暮(せいぼ)), attending weddings, after job interviews, and after receiving hospitality.

Common collocations

礼状(れいじょう)を書(か)く: to write a thank-you letter
礼状(れいじょう)を送(おく)る / 出(だ)す: to send a thank-you letter
お礼(れい)の手紙(てがみ): thank-you letter (more casual phrasing)

Similar words

礼状(れいじょう): formal thank-you letter
挨拶状(あいさつじょう): greeting card/letter (broader, includes seasonal greetings)
年賀状(ねんがじょう): New Year's card (specific type of seasonal letter)

Related Words

Compare: 年賀状(ねんがじょう) (New Year's card)

general

Added 2026.3.6 20:49 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

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