表書(おもてが)き

おもてがき
noun
address on an envelope; inscription on a gift wrapper
culturecommunication
1. writing on the front of an envelope or gift wrapping
What is written on the front of an envelope (the address and name) or on the paper band or envelope of a gift, such as 御祝(おいわい) or 御礼(おんれい), which states the purpose of the gift.
封筒(ふうとう)の表書(おもてが)きを書(か)く。
I write the address on the front of the envelope.
香典(こうでん)の表書(おもてが)きは「御霊前(ごれいぜん)」にした。
On the condolence-money envelope I wrote "For the spirit of the departed."
お祝(いわ)いの品(しな)を贈(おく)るときは、目的(もくてき)に合(あ)った表書(おもてが)きののし紙(がみ)をかけてもらう。
When sending a gift of congratulations, you have it wrapped in noshi paper with an inscription that fits the occasion.

Choosing the right 表書(おもてが)き is an important part of Japanese gift etiquette: 御祝(おいわい) for celebrations, 御礼(おんれい) for thanks, 御霊前(ごれいぜん) or 御香典(ごこうでん) for funerals. Shops that wrap gifts usually ask which one you need.

Common collocations

  • 封筒(ふうとう)の表書(おもてが)き: the writing on the front of an envelope
  • のしの表書(おもてが)き: the inscription on a gift's noshi wrapper
  • 表書(おもてが)きを書(か)く: to write the inscription or address

Related Words

Related: 熨斗(のし) (noshi)
Related: のし袋(ぶくろ) (decorative envelope for money gifts)
general
Added 2026.10.7 22:20 · Revised 2026.10.13 4:13
31500/31695_omotegaki