(せんべつ)

せんべつ
noun
farewell gift; parting gift (often money)
culturegift
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(せんべつ)いただいた
I received a farewell gift.
I gave a farewell gift to a colleague being transferred.
Before leaving to study abroad, I received cash as a farewell gift from everyone at work.

Written with the character (せん) (farewell feast) + (べつ) (parting). Traditionally, 餞別(せんべつ) often takes the form of money placed in a special envelope, though it can also be a physical gift.

Common collocations

Cultural note

Giving 餞別(せんべつ) is a well-established Japanese custom, particularly in workplaces. When a colleague is transferred (転勤(てんきん)), retiring (退職(たいしょく)), or going on a long trip, coworkers typically collect money and present it in a 祝儀袋(しゅうぎぶくろ) (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(そうべつ)(ひん) — farewell gift (more general, less traditional nuance)