金封(きんぷう)

A compound of 金(きん) (money) and 封(ぷう) (seal, envelope). The formal term for the decorated envelopes used to present money at Japanese ceremonies. The envelope design, including the 水引(みずひき) (decorative cord) and 熨斗(のし) (decorative paper), varies depending on the occasion.

For celebrations (慶事(けいじ)), red and white or gold and silver cords are used. For condolences (弔事(ちょうじ)), black and white or silver cords are used. Using the wrong type is considered a serious social error.

Common collocations

• 金封(きんぷう)を渡(わた)す: to hand over a gift envelope
• 金封(きんぷう)の書(か)き方(かた): how to write on a gift envelope
• 慶弔(けいちょう)金封(きんぷう): celebration/condolence gift envelope
• 金封(きんぷう)の選(えら)び方(かた): how to choose a gift envelope

Similar words

• 御祝儀袋(おしゅうぎぶくろ): celebratory gift envelope — specifically for happy occasions
• 香典袋(こうでんぶくろ): condolence envelope — specifically for funeral offerings
• 熨斗袋(のしぶくろ): noshi envelope — another term for ceremonial gift envelopes, emphasizing the noshi decoration