Translation and Meaning of: 贈り物 - okurimono

The Japanese word 贈り物 (おくりもの) is a term full of meaning and tradition, often associated with gestures of affection and appreciation. If you are looking to understand its meaning, origin, or how to use it in everyday life, this article will explore all of that in a clear and practical way. We will cover everything from the composition of the kanjis to tips for memorization, always based on reliable sources and real examples from Japanese culture.

In addition to being a common word in formal and informal situations, 贈り物 reflects important values in Japan, such as reciprocity and respect. Here, you will also discover how it appears in cultural contexts and why it is so relevant for those studying the language. Whether to gift someone or simply to enrich your vocabulary, understanding 贈り物 goes beyond the literal translation.

Meaning and composition of 贈り物

The word 贈り物 is made up of the kanji 贈 (to present, to offer) and 物 (thing, object), creating the meaning of "object given as a gift." Unlike プレゼント (purezento), a loanword from the English "present," 贈り物 carries a more formal and traditional tone, often associated with special occasions or ceremonies. The use of the kanji 贈, which includes the radical 貝 (shell, an ancient symbol of value), reinforces the idea of something precious being offered.

In daily life, the Japanese use 贈り物 to refer to gifts exchanged during festivals, weddings, or even as gestures of professional gratitude. A classic example is お歳暮 (oseibo), a gift given at the end of the year as a token of gratitude. This cultural nuance makes the word more than just a simple synonym for "gift" — it evokes a symbolic exchange full of meaning.

Origin and Cultural Use

The tradition of gift-giving in Japan dates back to ancient periods, where offerings were made to deities or as a way to establish alliances. The term 贈り物 (okurimono) arises from this practice, becoming an important part of social communication. Unlike Western cultures, where gifts can be spontaneous, in Japan they often follow implicit rules of reciprocity (義理, giri) and specific occasions.

An interesting piece of information comes from the Japanese Ministry of Economy: in 2022, about 60% of spending on 贈り物 in the country was concentrated on events like Chūgen (mid-year) and Oseibo. This shows how the word is rooted in annual rituals. Furthermore, the packaging (like the famous のし紙, decorative papers) is as important as the content, reflecting the care behind each おくりもの.

Tips for memorizing and using

To easily remember 贈り物, associate the kanji 贈 with the act of "increasing" (増) something of value (貝). Imagine gifting as a way to enrich a relationship. Another tip is to create flashcards with phrases like 誕生日の贈り物 (birthday gift) or 心のこもった贈り物 (thoughtful gift), which are common usages in everyday life.

Avoid confusing 贈り物 with terms like 寄付 (donation) or 手土産 (souvenir), as it implies a personal connection. If in doubt, look at the context: if there is a relationship between the giver and the receiver, likely 贈り物 is the right word. To practice, write down situations where you would give a gift in your country and try to describe them in Japanese using this expression.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

贈答品 (Zōtōhin) - Product presented on formal occasions
プレゼント (Purezento) - Present in a general context
ギフト (Gifuto) - Gift, often used in the context of marketing and products
贈り品 (Okurihit) - Items sent as a gift
お土産 (Omiya ge) - Souvenir or gift brought from a trip
お祝い (Oiwai) - Celebration or commemorative gift
お返し (Okaeshi) - Return, traditionally a gift of thanks
お礼 (Orei) - Thank you, often accompanied by a gift.
お見舞い (Omimai) - Visit or gift for someone sick
お詫び (Owabi) - Apology, which may include a gift
お供え物 (Osonaemono) - Offerings, usually in contexts of mourning or tributes
お祭り (Omatsuri) - Festival commonly includes celebrations and gifts
お祈り (Oinori) - Prayers, often related to blessings or gratitude
お守り (Omamori) - Protection amulets, often given as gifts.
お札 (Ofuda) - Talismans or amulets linked to the sacred or protection
おまじない (Omajina) - Spells or charms, often given as lucky gifts
お宝 (Otakara) - Treasures can be used in figurative contexts for valuable gifts.
おやつ (Oyatsu) - Snack, often a gift or offering during meetings
お菓子 (Okashi) - Sweets or confections that can be given as a gift
お酒 (Osake) - Alcoholic beverage, often present in celebrations
お茶 (Ocha) - Tea, significant in social relations and hospitality
おしゃれ (Oshare) - Style or fashion, possibly referring to gifts related to fashion.
おしゃべり (Oshaberi) - To converse, which can be part of the gifting experience.

Related words

プレゼント

purezento

present present

恵み

megumi

blessing

年賀

nenga

New Year Greetings; New Year Card

賞品

shouhin

award; trophy

差し上げる

sashiageru

to give; to sustain; rise; to offer

寄付

kifu

contribution; Donation

お供

otomo

attendant; partner

贈り物

Romaji: okurimono
Kana: おくりもの
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n4

Translation / Meaning: gift; gift

Meaning in English: present;gift

Definition: give something to someone.

Quick Access
- Vocabulary
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How to Write in Japanese - (贈り物) okurimono

See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (贈り物) okurimono:

Example Sentences - (贈り物) okurimono

See below some example sentences:

彼は贈り物で彼女を賄った。

Kare wa okurimono de kanojo o motta

He presented her to impress her.

He controlled her with a gift.

彼 - He
は - Topic particle
贈り物 - Present
で - particle indicating means or tool
彼女 - Girlfriend
を - Direct object particle
賄った - Covered the expenses, paid

私の妻は私の人生の中で最高の贈り物です。

Watashi no tsuma wa watashi no jinsei no naka de saikou no okurimono desu

My wife is the best gift of my life.

私の妻 - "My wife" in Japanese
は - Japanese topic particle
私の - "Meu" in Japanese
人生 - "Life" in Japanese
の - Possessive particle in Japanese
中で - "Within" in Japanese
最高の - "The best" in Japanese
贈り物 - "Gift" in Japanese
です - polite way of "being" in Japanese

森は美しい自然の贈り物です。

Mori wa utsukushii shizen no okurimono desu

The forest is a beautiful gift from nature.

The forest is a beautiful natural gift.

森 (mori) - forest
は (wa) - Topic particle
美しい (utsukushii) - beautiful
自然 (shizen) - nature
の (no) - Possession particle
贈り物 (okurimono) - gift, gift
です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

樹木は自然の贈り物です。

Jumoku wa shizen no okurimono desu

Trees are gifts from nature.

Trees are natural gifts.

樹木 (jumoku) - trees
は (wa) - Topic particle
自然 (shizen) - nature
の (no) - Possessive particle
贈り物 (okurimono) - gift, gift
です (desu) - verb to be, to stay

彼女に贈り物をする。

Kanojo ni okurimono wo suru

I will give her a gift.

Give her a gift.

彼女 (kanojo) - "Namorada" significa "彼女" (かのじ, kanojo) em japonês.
に (ni) - a particle indicating the recipient of the action, in this case, "to"
贈り物 (okurimono) - It means "present" in Japanese.
を (wo) - a particle that indicates the direct object of the action, in this case, "do"
する (suru) - a verb that means "do"

愛情は人生の最高の贈り物です。

Aijou wa jinsei no saikou no okurimono desu

Love is the best gift in life.