Japanese word of the day: お土産 (Omiyage)

What does お土産 (Omiyage) mean?

お土産 (Omiyage) (noun) — Local specialty or souvenir bought as a gift while traveling, typically for family, friends, or colleagues. It is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture, where it is customary to bring back gifts from trips, whether for business or pleasure.

Kanji details for 土 and 産

Character: 土 — soil, earth, ground, Turkey
Radical: earth 土

Character: 産 — products, bear, give birth, yield, childbirth, native, property
Radical: life 生

Example sentences with お土産 (Omiyage)

• 旅行から帰ったら、友達にお土産を渡しました。
  (Ryokō kara kaetta ra, tomodachi ni omiyage o watashimashita.)
  🎁 I gave my friend a souvenir when I returned from my trip.

• お土産を選ぶときは、相手の好みを考えて選びます。
  (Omiyage o erabu toki wa, aite no konomi o kangaete erabimasu.)
  💭 When choosing a souvenir, I consider the recipient's preferences.

• 帰省先の家族にお土産を持っていくのは、日本の習慣です。
  (Kaishō-saki no kazoku ni omiyage o motte iku no wa, Nihon no shūkan desu.)
  🏘️ It is a Japanese custom to bring souvenirs to family when visiting one's hometown.

お土産 (Omiyage) in context

The concept of お土産 (Omiyage) is distinct from the Western idea of souvenirs, as it emphasizes giving to others rather than keeping for oneself. お土産 (Omiyage) can also refer to a present brought by a visitor, such as when someone visits a home and brings a gift, often referred to as 手土産 (temiyage)

The term is often used in polite language, and its usage is widespread in Japanese society, reflecting a strong cultural emphasis on gift-giving and hospitality. Overall, お土産 (Omiyage) plays a significant role in maintaining social bonds and expressing gratitude or respect in Japanese culture.