お礼

• Reading: おれい
• Romaji: orei
• Kanji breakdown: 礼 (rei) — courtesy, thanks, bow
• Pronunciation: /o.ɾe.i/

Meaning

An expression of gratitude; a thank-you. Can also refer to a gift given in return for a favor.

The polite prefix お attached to 礼 (rei, politeness/gratitude). Used in expressions like お礼を言う (to express thanks), お礼の手紙 (a thank-you letter), and お礼をする (to do something in return). In Japanese culture, reciprocating favors with a tangible gift or gesture of thanks is an important social custom.

Examples

1. 手伝ってくれた人にお礼を言いました。 I thanked the person who helped me.
2. 先生にお礼の手紙を書きます。 I'm going to write a thank-you letter to my teacher.
3. お礼に何かお菓子を持っていきます。 I'll bring some sweets as a thank-you gift.

Usage Guide

Context: gratitude, social customs, gifts

Tone: polite

Origin & History

Compound of the honorific prefix お (o) and 礼 (rei, courtesy/thanks). The kanji 礼 originally depicted a ritual vessel used in ceremonies, connecting to the concept of proper etiquette.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal