Translation guide
A gift given to express sympathy after a death, often money or items for the funeral or memorial. In Japan, this is a formal custom with specific etiquette.
Money given in a special envelope at a wake or funeral to help with expenses and express condolences.
The standard monetary condolence gift brought to a wake or funeral, placed in a special envelope called 香典袋.
香典は黒白の水引がついた封筒に入れます。
You put condolence money in an envelope with a black-and-white mizuhiki cord.
Polite form of 香典, often used when speaking to the bereaved family or on the envelope.
御香典をお送りいたします。
I will send a condolence gift.
Literally 'before the spirit', used on the envelope for condolence money, especially for Buddhist funerals.
御霊前の表書きで香典を包みました。
I wrapped the condolence money with 'Goreizen' written on the envelope.
Flowers, wreaths, or other items sent to the funeral hall to express condolences.
Flowers offered at a funeral or grave, often sent as a standing wreath or arrangement.
葬儀に供花を手配しました。
I arranged for condolence flowers for the funeral.
A wreath, often large and circular, sent to funerals or memorials as a condolence gift.
Offerings such as food, drink, or incense given at a funeral or memorial service.
A gift given to someone who has lost a family member, often after the funeral, such as food or practical items.
A general term for a condolence gift, often given after the funeral to the bereaved family.
お悔やみの品として線香を贈りました。
I gave incense as a condolence gift.
A return gift given to those who offered condolence money, not a condolence gift itself but related.
This is a thank-you gift from the bereaved, not a condolence gift from the giver.
香典返しにタオルをいただきました。
I received a towel as a return gift for the condolence money.
Use crisp, new bills. Place money in a special envelope (香典袋) with your name, and hand it at the reception desk. Amount depends on relationship.
Never use red or gold decorations. Condolence gifts use black, white, or silver cords (水引).
The company sent a condolence wreath.
We offered fruit as a condolence gift.