内祝い

うちいわい
Alternative writings: 内祝
Frequency:

1A gift given to relatives or close friends on the occasion of a family celebration (often as a return gift for gifts received at events like births or weddings).

Noun

Examples

出産の内祝いにタオルセットを贈った。

I gave a set of towels as a gift for the birth celebration.

結婚の内祝いは親戚だけに贈ることが多い。

Wedding return gifts are often given only to relatives.

内祝いには熨斗(のし)を付けて渡すのが一般的だ。

It's common to attach a noshi (ceremonial wrapping) when giving an uchiiwai.

2A private family celebration or private ceremony for relatives (a celebration held only among close family).

Noun

Examples

今回は内祝いとして親族だけで食事会を開くことになった。

This time we decided to hold a family-only meal as a private celebration.

大きな式はしないで、内祝いに留める予定だ。

We won't have a large ceremony; we plan to keep it as a private family celebration.