Greeting cards are a lovely way to express your feelings and well-wishes to someone. Whether it’s for a special occasion or simply to brighten someone’s day, sending a greeting card in Japanese can add a personal touch to your message. In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways to say “greeting card” in Japanese, providing you with tips, examples, and even a few regional variations.
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Formal Ways to Say Greeting Card in Japanese
When it comes to formal situations in the Japanese language, it is important to use respectful language. Here are a few formal ways to say “greeting card” in Japanese:
※ Shitsumonsho – 質問書 (Written Inquiry)
※ Otegami – お手紙 (Letter)
※ Shugi bukuro – 祝儀袋 (Celebration Envelope)
The first term, “Shitsumonsho,” is typically used in business or official settings for written inquiries or questionnaires. While it can refer to a greeting card, it is not commonly used for this purpose outside of formal contexts.
The second term, “Otegami,” literally translates to “letter” and is often used in formal contexts. It can refer to a personal letter, including greeting cards, as the act of sending handwritten letters is still considered a thoughtful gesture in Japan.
Lastly, “Shugi bukuro” refers to a traditional envelope used to give monetary gifts for special occasions such as weddings, funerals, or New Year celebrations. While not strictly a greeting card, this term can be used interchangeably in some contexts.
Informal Ways to Say Greeting Card in Japanese
Unlike formal situations, informal language allows for a more casual and friendly approach. Here are a few informal ways to say “greeting card” in Japanese:
※ Kaado – カード
※ Yuu-chan – ユーチャン (abbreviation from “yūjirushi chōsa shō” meaning “survey form”)
The term “Kaado” is a direct loanword from English, which is commonly used in everyday situations to refer to greeting cards. It is the most frequently used term among Japanese people when discussing or giving greeting cards.
Another informal term, “Yuu-chan,” is an abbreviation of “yūjirushi chōsa shō,” which means “survey form.” Although it might seem unusual, this term originated from the practice of sending survey forms with pre-filled responses as greeting cards during promotional events.
Examples of Usage
To further understand how to use these terms effectively, let’s explore some examples:
Formal usage:
- 彼女に質問書を送るついでに、お祝いの手紙も添えました。
- (Kanojo ni shitsumonsho o okuru tsuide ni, oiwai no tegami mo soemashita.)
- While sending her a written inquiry, I also attached a congratulatory letter.
Informal usage:
- 誕生日のお祝いのカードを送りたいんですが、どこで手に入りますか？
- (Tanjoubi no oiwai no kaado o okuritain desu ga, doko de te ni hairimasu ka?)
- I would like to send a birthday greeting card, where can I get one?
These examples demonstrate how the formal and informal terms for “greeting card” in Japanese can be used in sentences, depending on the context and level of formality you wish to convey.
Regional Variations
Although Japanese has a standard language known as “hyōjungo,” there are some regional variations in vocabulary and pronunciation. However, when it comes to the term “greeting card,” there are no significant regional variations across Japan. Therefore, the terms discussed earlier can generally be used universally throughout the country.
Conclusion
Sending a greeting card in Japanese can be a thoughtful and personal way to convey your emotions. In formal situations, words like “Shitsumonsho,” “Otegami,” and “Shugi bukuro” can be used, whereas “Kaado” and “Yuu-chan” are more appropriate in casual settings. Don’t hesitate to include a heartfelt message along with the greeting card, as this adds an extra touch of warmth and sincerity.
Now that you have learned various ways to say “greeting card” in Japanese, you can confidently express your well-wishes and make your loved ones feel special on any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a friendly gesture, a greeting card in Japanese will undoubtedly bring a smile to their face.
