(ぞうとうひん)

ぞうとうひん
noun
gift; present; gift item
1. gift; present; gift item for formal occasions
A gift exchanged on formal or ceremonial occasions, such as seasonal greetings, weddings, or funerals. More formal than a casual present.
贈答品(ぞうとうひん)(えら)ぶ。
I choose a gift.
この(みせ)贈答品(ぞうとうひん)(よう)包装(ほうそう)もしてくれる。
This store also does gift wrapping.
中元(ちゅうげん)やお歳暮(せいぼ)などの贈答品(ぞうとうひん)には熨斗(のし)()けるのが一般的(いっぱんてき)だ。
It's customary to attach a noshi decoration to seasonal gifts like mid-year and year-end presents.

Composed of 贈答(ぞうとう) (gift-giving/exchange of gifts) + (ひん) (item). Refers specifically to gifts exchanged on formal occasions, as opposed to casual birthday presents or souvenirs.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 贈答品(ぞうとうひん)(おく)る: to send a gift
  • 贈答品(ぞうとうひん)()(): gift section (in a department store)
  • 贈答品(ぞうとうひん)(よう): for gift-giving purposes
  • 贈答品(ぞうとうひん)包装(ほうそう): gift wrapping

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • プレゼント: present — casual, often for birthdays or personal occasions
  • (おく)(もの): gift — general term covering both formal and informal gifts
  • 土産(みやげ): souvenir — specifically a gift brought back from travel
  • ()出物(でもの): wedding favor — gifts given to guests at a wedding

CULTURAL CONTEXT:
Japan has a strong culture of formal gift-giving. The two main 贈答品(ぞうとうひん) seasons are お中元(ちゅうげん) (mid-year, around July) and お歳暮(せいぼ) (year-end, around December), when people send gifts to business contacts, teachers, doctors, and others they are indebted to. Department stores set up special 贈答品(ぞうとうひん) sections during these seasons.