Korean Dictionary
How to say "Congratulatory Gift" in Korean
“Congratulatory Gift” in Korean is 축의금 (pronounced "chuguigeum").
축의금
chuguigeum
Usage & Context
축의금 is cash given as a congratulatory gift at Korean weddings and celebrations replacing traditional gifts. The amount given varies based on the relationship proximity and financial status of the giver. Korean wedding invitation etiquette assumes guests will bring 축의금 in a designated envelope rather than wrapped presents.
Example Sentence
결혼식에 가면 축의금을 내야 해요.
When you go to a wedding you need to give congratulatory money.
How to use 축의금 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Congratulatory Gift” is 축의금, romanized as chuguigeum.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 축의금.
Pronunciation Guide
"축의금" is pronounced as "choo-ee-geum" or sometimes "choo-wee-geum." "Choo" sounds like "choo" in "choose." The '의' (ui) vowel is often simplified in spoken Korean; here it sounds like "ee" as in "see" or "wee" as in "we." "Geum" sounds like "goom" in "groom."
More Example Sentences
Discussing wedding etiquette with a friend.
친구 결혼식에 축의금 얼마 내야 할지 고민 중이야.
I'm wondering how much congratulatory money I should give at my friend's wedding.
Describing the act of giving the gift at a wedding.
봉투에 축의금을 넣어서 신랑 신부에게 전달했어요.
I put the congratulatory money in an envelope and gave it to the bride and groom.
Discussing modern trends in wedding gift-giving.
요즘은 축의금 대신 계좌이체를 하는 경우도 많아요.
Nowadays, there are many cases where people transfer money instead of giving congratulatory cash.
Cultural Context
축의금 is a fundamental part of Korean wedding culture. It's almost exclusively cash, presented in a white envelope, and given at a designated reception table. The amount typically varies based on the relationship's closeness and is usually a multiple of 10,000 won (e.g., 30,000, 50,000, 100,000 won), with 50,000 won being common for acquaintances. It serves as a practical gift to help the newlyweds start their life and cover wedding expenses, embodying communal support.
Editorial note
We review entries like 축의금 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
축의금을 내다.
To give congratulatory money.
축의금 봉투.
Congratulatory money envelope.
축의금 얼마 낼까?
How much congratulatory money should I give?
Related Expressions
결혼식
gyeollonsik
Wedding ceremony
부의금
buigeum
Condolence money (antonym in context)
예단
yedan
Wedding gifts (from bride's family to groom's family)
함
ham
Traditional wedding box (containing gifts for the bride)
More Holidays & Festivals Words
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