進物(しんもつ)

A formal term for gifts, especially in the context of Japan's gift-giving culture. Used heavily in department stores and specialty shops during お中元(ちゅうげん) and お歳暮(せいぼ) seasons.

Forms

進(しん) (to advance, to present) + 物(もつ) (thing). The idea is something "presented forward" to someone.

Common collocations

• 進物(しんもつ)用(よう): for gift-giving purposes
• 進物(しんもつ)コーナー: gift section (in a department store)
• 進物(しんもつ)品(ひん): gift items
• 進物(しんもつ)に最適(さいてき): ideal as a gift

Similar words

• 贈(おく)り物(もの): gift, present — the most common general word
• プレゼント: present — casual, often for personal occasions like birthdays
• 手土産(てみやげ): gift brought when visiting someone
• 献上品(けんじょうひん): tribute, offering to a high-ranking person — even more formal

Cultural note

Japan has a strong tradition of formal gift-giving, particularly during the お中元(ちゅうげん) (mid-year) and お歳暮(せいぼ) (year-end) seasons. 進物(しんもつ) is the standard term used in these contexts.