御(お)祝儀(しゅうぎ)袋(ぶくろ)

A decorated paper envelope used to present cash gifts (御(お)祝儀(しゅうぎ)) at auspicious occasions, especially weddings. The envelope is typically white with a decorative cord (水引(みずひき)) and may feature gold, silver, or red accents depending on the formality and occasion.

Cultural note

The choice of envelope matters: the style and value of the 水引(みずひき) should match the amount enclosed and the occasion. For weddings, a tied bow (結(むす)び切(き)り) is used, symbolizing a one-time event. The amount of money should be an odd number (typically 三万円(さんまんえん) for friends) as even numbers can be divided and thus symbolize separation.

Common collocations

• 御(お)祝儀(しゅうぎ)袋(ぶくろ)に入(い)れる: to put in a gift envelope
• 御(お)祝儀(しゅうぎ)袋(ぶくろ)の書(か)き方(かた): how to write on a gift envelope
• 御(お)祝儀(しゅうぎ)袋(ぶくろ)の選(えら)び方(かた): how to choose a gift envelope

Similar words

• 香典(こうでん)袋(ぶくろ): condolence envelope — used for funerals, with somber coloring
• ポチ袋(ぶくろ): small gift envelope — used for お年玉(としだま) (New Year's money) to children
• 熨斗(のし)袋(ぶくろ): formal gift envelope — broader term for ceremonial envelopes with a 熨斗(のし) decoration