結婚祝(けっこんいわ)い

A compound of 結婚(けっこん) (marriage) and 祝(いわ)い (celebration, gift). Can refer to either the congratulatory gift itself or the act of celebrating the marriage.

Gift customs

In Japan, wedding gifts often take the form of money in a special envelope called a 祝儀袋(しゅうぎぶくろ). The amount varies by relationship: typically 30,000 yen for friends, 50,000–100,000 yen for close relatives. Odd numbers (except 9) are preferred because even numbers suggest division.

Common collocations

• 結婚祝(けっこんいわ)いを贈(おく)る — to give a wedding gift
• 結婚祝(けっこんいわ)いをもらう — to receive a wedding gift
• 結婚祝(けっこんいわ)いの品(しな) — wedding gift item
• 結婚祝(けっこんいわ)いの席(せき) — wedding celebration gathering

Related words

• 祝儀袋(しゅうぎぶくろ) — gift money envelope for celebrations
• 披露宴(ひろうえん) — wedding reception
• 出産祝(しゅっさんいわ)い — baby shower gift; gift celebrating a birth