香典袋(こうでんぶくろ)

A compound of 香典(こうでん) (condolence money) and 袋(ふくろ) (bag/envelope), with 袋(ふくろ) voiced to ぶくろ through rendaku. These envelopes are sold at stationery stores, convenience stores, and supermarkets. They come in varying levels of formality, with more elaborate designs (featuring black and white or silver mizuhiki cords) used for larger sums.

Cultural note

Traditionally the giver's full name is written on the front in pale ink (薄墨(うすずみ)), said to show ink thinned by tears, and the amount enclosed goes on the inner envelope. Bills should not be crisp new ones, as new bills could suggest the death was expected.

Common collocations

• 香典袋(こうでんぶくろ)に入(い)れる: to put money in a condolence envelope
• 香典袋(こうでんぶくろ)の書(か)き方(かた): how to write on a condolence envelope
• 香典袋(こうでんぶくろ)の選(えら)び方(かた): how to choose a condolence envelope

Related words

• 香典(こうでん): condolence money
• 御霊前(ごれいぜん): inscription meaning "before the spirit" (written on the envelope)
• 不祝儀袋(ぶしゅうぎぶくろ): condolence envelope (formal/generic term)
• 祝儀袋(しゅうぎぶくろ): celebratory money envelope (the happy-occasion counterpart)