Translation guide
A gift given to someone who is leaving, such as a coworker retiring, a friend moving away, or a student graduating. Japanese has several specific terms depending on the context and relationship.
A gift given to someone who is leaving a workplace, school, or social group.
The most common and general term for a farewell gift, especially money or a present given to someone departing on a trip or leaving a job.
退職する同僚に餞別を渡した。
I gave a farewell gift to my retiring colleague.
A slightly more poetic or literary term for a farewell gift or send-off. Often used in speeches or formal messages.
これは君へのはなむけの言葉だ。
These are my parting words to you.
Specifically money given as a farewell gift, often collected from a group.
Money given as a farewell gift, often pooled from colleagues or friends.
餞別金として一人千円ずつ集めた。
We collected 1,000 yen per person as farewell gift money.
Another term for farewell money, often used in casual contexts.
餞別代わりにこれを受け取ってください。
Please accept this as a small farewell gift.
A gift given to a student who is graduating or leaving school.
Literally 'graduation celebration gift,' used for students finishing a level of education.
卒業祝いに花束を贈った。
I gave a bouquet as a graduation gift.
A commemorative graduation gift, often given by the school or class.
卒業記念品として時計をもらった。
I received a watch as a graduation memento.
A gift given to someone retiring from a company or organization.
A retirement gift, often given at a farewell party.
退職祝いに旅行券を贈呈した。
We presented a travel voucher as a retirement gift.
Specifically for mandatory retirement age, often more formal.
定年退職祝いの品を選ぶのに苦労した。
I had trouble choosing a retirement gift for the mandatory retirement.
A gift exchanged between friends or lovers when parting ways.
A keepsake or memento, often given when someone leaves permanently or passes away. Can be used for farewell gifts with deep emotional significance.
形見 often implies a permanent parting or death; use carefully in casual farewells.
彼女は形見として指輪をくれた。
She gave me a ring as a keepsake.
A memento or souvenir, less heavy than 形見. Suitable for friends moving away.
思い出の品として写真立てを贈った。
I gave a photo frame as a memento.
餞別 is the standard, everyday term for a farewell gift, especially money or a present. はなむけ is more poetic and often used in speeches or writing. In casual conversation, 餞別 is preferred.
The direct translation '別れの贈り物' is understandable but sounds unnatural. Use the specific terms above depending on the situation.