1.
gift money envelope; celebratory envelope
A decorative envelope used for giving monetary gifts at celebrations such as weddings, births, and other happy occasions. The envelopes are typically white with red-and-white or gold-and-silver mizuhiki ties, and the giver writes their name on the front.
祝儀袋を用意する。
I'll prepare a gift money envelope.
結婚式に持っていく祝儀袋を買った。
I bought a gift money envelope to take to the wedding.
祝儀袋に新札を入れて、表書きに名前を書いた。
I put new bills in the gift envelope and wrote my name on the front.
An essential item for Japanese celebratory occasions. The type of envelope, the style of the mizuhiki knot, and the amount of money inside all follow specific etiquette rules.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 祝儀袋に入れる: to put money in a gift envelope
- 祝儀袋の表書き: the writing on the front of the envelope
- 祝儀袋の書き方: how to write on a gift envelope
CULTURAL NOTES:
- New, crisp bills (新札) should be used for celebratory occasions
- The 水引 (decorative cord) style matters: a bow knot for births (repeatable events) and a firm knot for weddings (one-time events)
- Not to be confused with 不祝儀袋/香典袋, which are used for funerals and have black-and-white or silver ties
SIMILAR WORDS:
- ご祝儀: the monetary gift itself
- 香典袋: condolence money envelope — used at funerals
- 封筒: envelope — the general term