香典返(こうでんがえ)し

こうでんがえし
noun
return gift for condolence money
1. return gift for condolence money; reciprocal gift after a funeral
A gift given by the bereaved family to those who offered condolence money (香典(こうでん)) at a funeral. Part of the Japanese custom of reciprocating gifts. Typically given after the 49-day mourning period.
香典返(こうでんがえ)しを送(おく)る。
To send a return gift for condolence money.
香典返(こうでんがえ)しに何(なに)を選(えら)ぶか迷(まよ)った。
I couldn't decide what to choose for the condolence return gift.
四十九日(しじゅうくにち)の法要(ほうよう)が終(お)わった後(あと)に香典返(こうでんがえ)しを手配(てはい)した。
I arranged the condolence return gifts after the 49th-day memorial service.

Composed of 香典(こうでん) (condolence money given at funerals) + 返(かえ)し (return, reciprocation). The return gift is typically worth about half the value of the condolence money received (半返(はんがえ)し). Common choices include tea, towels, soap, and catalog gifts. Usually sent after the 四十九日(しじゅうくにち) (49-day mourning period). This custom reflects the broader Japanese practice of 返礼(へんれい) (gift reciprocation). Related: 内祝(うちいわ)い (return gift for celebratory occasions).

Related Words

Related: お返(かえ)し (return gift)
general
Added 2026.3.23 18:27 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
18500/18917_koudengaeshi