香典

• Reading: こうでん
• Romaji: ouden
• Kanji breakdown: 香 (kou) — incense, fragrance; 典 (ten) — ceremony, rite
• Pronunciation: /ko.ː.de.ɴ/

Meaning

Condolence gift; funeral offering; incense money. Cash given in a special envelope to bereaved families to help cover funeral expenses.

A deeply rooted Japanese funeral custom in which mourners bring cash in a special black-and-silver envelope (不祝儀袋, bushugibukuro). The amount varies depending on the relationship to the deceased. The name derives from the practice of offering incense (香, kou) in lieu of a gift. Strict etiquette governs the amount, envelope style, and the use of old banknotes — fresh notes are considered inappropriate as they suggest advance preparation.

Examples

1. 同僚の父親が亡くなったため、有志を募って香典をまとめることになった。 As a colleague's father had passed away, volunteers were recruited to pool together a condolence offering.
2. 香典の金額は故人との関係や自分の年齢によって変わるのが一般的だ。 The appropriate amount for a condolence gift generally varies depending on one's relationship to the deceased and one's own age.
3. 香典返しとして、当家から丁寧な挨拶状と品物が届いた。 A thoughtful letter and a gift arrived from the bereaved family as a return condolence.

Usage Guide

Context: funerals, bereavement, social customs, etiquette

Tone: solemn

Origin & History

Derived from the Buddhist practice of offering incense (香, kou) at funerals. 典 originally referred to a ceremony or rite. Over time, cash replaced incense as the practical offering, but the traditional name was retained.

Cultural Context

Era: Traditional–Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal