祝儀

• Reading: しゅうぎ
• Romaji: shūgi
• Kanji breakdown: 祝 (shū) — celebrate, congratulate; 儀 (gi) — ceremony, rite, courtesy
• Pronunciation: /ɕɯː.ɡi/

Meaning

Celebration; congratulatory gift; monetary gift. Refers to a gift of money given at celebratory occasions such as weddings.

A noun with two main uses: the general sense of a celebratory occasion or act, and the more specific sense of a monetary gift (in a special envelope) presented at weddings, births, or other joyous events. The opposite is 不祝儀 (fushūgi), gifts given at funerals. Etiquette around 祝儀 — amount, envelope style, how to write one's name — is taken seriously in Japanese society.

Examples

1. 結婚式には三万円の祝儀を包んで持参した。 I brought a congratulatory gift of thirty thousand yen to the wedding.
2. 祝儀袋の表書きの書き方にはしっかりとしたマナーがある。 There is proper etiquette for how to write the inscription on a gift envelope.
3. 同僚の昇進祝いに祝儀を渡す習慣がこの会社にはある。 This company has a custom of giving a monetary gift to celebrate a colleague's promotion.

Usage Guide

Context: weddings, gift-giving etiquette, social customs, celebrations

Tone: formal

Origin & History

From 祝 (shuku/shū) meaning 'celebration' and 儀 (gi) meaning 'ceremony or rite.' The compound refers to the ritual and gift associated with celebratory occasions.

Cultural Context

Era: Edo–Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: All classes