1.
farewell gift; parting gift; going-away present (often money)
A gift, typically money in an envelope, given to someone who is moving away, transferring to another workplace, or embarking on a long journey.
餞別をいただいた。
I received a farewell gift.
転勤する同僚に餞別を贈った。
I gave a farewell gift to a colleague being transferred.
留学に行く前に、職場の皆さんから餞別として現金をいただいた。
Before leaving to study abroad, I received cash as a farewell gift from everyone at work.
Written with the character 餞 (farewell feast) + 別 (parting). Traditionally, 餞別 often takes the form of money placed in a special envelope, though it can also be a physical gift.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 餞別を贈る — to give a farewell gift
- 餞別をいただく — to receive a farewell gift (humble)
- 餞別を渡す — to hand over a farewell gift
- 餞別品 — farewell gift item
CULTURAL NOTE:
Giving 餞別 is a well-established Japanese custom, particularly in workplaces. When a colleague is transferred (転勤), retiring (退職), or going on a long trip, coworkers typically collect money and present it in a 祝儀袋 (ceremonial envelope). The amount varies by relationship closeness, typically ranging from 3,000 to 10,000 yen.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- はなむけ — farewell words or gift (more literary; can refer to encouraging words as well as gifts)
- 送別品 — farewell gift (more general, less traditional nuance)