お土産

おみやげ
Alternative writings: 御土産
JLPT:N4
Frequency:

1A local product or item bought while traveling, meant to be given as a gift to family, friends, or coworkers.

NounPolite (Teineigo) Language

Examples

京都のお土産に八つ橋を買った。

I bought yatsuhashi as a souvenir from Kyoto.

出張のお土産は何がいいか迷っている。

I can't decide what would make a good souvenir from my business trip.

会社のみんなにお土産を配った。

I handed out souvenirs to everyone at work.

空港でお土産を買う時間がなかった。

I didn't have time to buy souvenirs at the airport.

2A small gift brought along when visiting someone's home.

NounPolite (Teineigo) Language

Examples

友達の家に行くとき、お土産にお菓子を持って行った。

When I visited my friend's house, I brought sweets as a gift.

お土産、気を遣わなくてよかったのに。

You didn't need to worry about bringing a gift.

3An unwanted thing brought back as a result of a trip or event — used ironically.

NounPolite (Teineigo) Language

Examples

旅行のお土産に風邪をもらってしまった。

I came back from the trip with a cold as an unwanted 'souvenir'.

出張のお土産は疲労だけだった。

All I brought back from the business trip was exhaustion.

Word Relationships

Synonyms