水引(みずひき)

みずひき
noun
decorative paper cords (for gifts)
culture
1. decorative paper cords; ceremonial cords tied on gift envelopes
Thin cords made of twisted, starched paper, used to tie and decorate gift envelopes and wrapped presents in Japan. The color and knot style signal the type of occasion, such as a wedding, funeral, or general celebration.
祝儀袋(しゅうぎぶくろ)に水引(みずひき)をかける。
I tie decorative cords on the gift money envelope.
紅白(こうはく)の水引(みずひき)は、お祝(いわ)い事(ごと)に使(つか)う。
Red-and-white decorative cords are used for celebratory occasions.
結婚祝(けっこんいわ)いには、結(むす)び直(なお)せない結(むす)び方(かた)の水引(みずひき)を選(えら)ぶ。
For a wedding gift, you choose decorative cords tied in a knot that cannot be retied.

Traditional Japanese gift decoration made from twisted paper cords (和紙(わし) hardened with starch). The color combination and knot type carry meaning and must match the occasion.

Common collocations

  • 紅白(こうはく)の水引(みずひき): red-and-white cords (celebrations)
  • 黒白(くろしろ)の水引(みずひき): black-and-white cords (funerals, condolences)
  • 水引(みずひき)をかける: to tie on decorative cords

Cultural note

The knot matters: a 蝶結(ちょうむす)び (bow knot, easily retied) suits events that may happily repeat, such as childbirth, while a 結(むす)び切(き)り (tight knot that cannot be undone) suits weddings and funerals, which should not recur.

Related Words

Related: ご祝儀袋(しゅうぎぶくろ) (gift money envelope)
general
Added 2026.6.15 18:20 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
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