結納

• Reading: ゆいのう
• Romaji: yuino
• Kanji breakdown: 結 (yui) — to tie, bind | 納 (no) — to offer, deliver
• Pronunciation: /jɯ.i.no.ɯ/

Meaning

Betrothal gift; formal engagement ceremony in which the groom's family presents gifts to the bride's family to formalise the marriage agreement.

結納 is a traditional Japanese pre-wedding ceremony where 結納品 (betrothal gifts), including items symbolising good fortune such as 熨斗 (dried abalone), 昆布 (kelp), and 白酒 (white sake), are formally exchanged. In its full form, a go-between (仲人) presides over the ceremony. In recent decades many couples opt for a simplified 結納 or skip it entirely in favour of a casual お食事会 (shared meal). The practice varies significantly by region.

Examples

1. 二人の婚約が整い、来月には両家で結納を取り交わすことになった。 The engagement of the two has been agreed upon, and next month the betrothal gifts will be formally exchanged between both families.
2. 最近は結納を省略して食事会だけで済ませるカップルも多い。 Recently, many couples skip the betrothal ceremony and settle for just a shared meal.
3. 結納の席で、花婿側の家族から結納金と結納品が正式に贈られた。 At the betrothal ceremony, betrothal money and gifts were formally presented by the groom's family.

Usage Guide

Context: marriage customs, family relations, traditional ceremonies

Tone: formal

Origin & History

Historically written 結納 — 結 (ketsu/yui) meaning 'to tie, to bind' and 納 (no) meaning 'to offer, to pay, to deliver'. The compound originally meant 'the gifts delivered to bind a marriage contract', reflecting its ritual function as a formal pledge.

Cultural Context

Era: Edo–Present

Generation: Adults planning marriage

Social background: Universal