Hello, I’m Kodak.
During the Japanese New Year, children often receive small decorated envelopes from their parents, grandparents, and relatives.
When they open the envelopes, they usually find money inside.
In modern Japan, otoshidama is money given mainly by adults to children during the New Year holiday.
Hiragana: おとしだま
Romaji: otoshidama
Natural English: New Year money; a New Year monetary gift
Envelope: お年玉袋 (otoshidama-bukuro) / ポチ袋 (pochibukuro)
Otoshidama is a Japanese New Year gift, now usually money, given mainly to children by parents, grandparents, and other relatives.
The money is commonly placed in a small decorative envelope called an otoshidama-bukuro or pochibukuro.
What Does Otoshidama Mean?
お年玉 (otoshidama) refers to a New Year gift. In present-day Japan, it most commonly means money that children receive during the New Year holiday.
Otoshidama o ageru.
to give New Year money
お年玉をもらう
Otoshidama o morau.
to receive New Year money
お年玉を貯金する
Otoshidama o chokin suru.
to save one’s New Year money
子どもたちはお正月にお年玉をもらいます。
Kodomotachi wa oshōgatsu ni otoshidama o moraimasu.
Children receive New Year money during the Japanese New Year.
祖父母からお年玉をもらった。
Sofu-bo kara otoshidama o moratta.
I received New Year money from my grandparents.
Otoshidama in Kanji, Hiragana, and Katakana
Hiragana: おとしだま
Katakana: オトシダマ
Romaji: otoshidama
The standard spelling combines the honorific prefix お with the kanji 年玉.
a polite or respectful prefix
年 (toshi)
year
玉 (tama / dama)
literally a ball, jewel, precious object, or round object
The word is traditionally connected with 年魂 (toshidama)—the “spirit” or life force of the new year—and with gifts received at New Year.
Why Does Tama Become Dama?
When tama follows toshi in a compound, its first sound becomes voiced:
↓
toshidama
This type of sound change is called rendaku. It also appears in many other Japanese compound words.
How to Pronounce Otoshidama
Romaji: otoshidama
Rhythm: o-to-shi-da-ma
Mora count: 5
Say each kana with an even beat:
o / to / shi / da / ma
Why Do Japanese Children Receive Otoshidama?
The modern custom is connected with much older Japanese New Year beliefs.
Traditionally, the New Year was associated with the arrival of 年神 (Toshigami), a New Year deity believed to bring people the vitality and good fortune of the coming year.
The term 年魂 (toshidama) referred to the new “year spirit” or vitality granted at New Year. Rice and rice cakes were also associated with spiritual and life-giving power.
The New Year deity arrives
↓
people receive new vitality or a “year spirit”
↓
New Year food and gifts symbolize this blessing
↓
the custom gradually develops into the modern gift of money to children
Giving children spending money became the dominant modern form later.
Who Gives Otoshidama to Whom?
Otoshidama is usually given by older family members to younger family members.
・parents
・grandparents
・aunts and uncles
・older relatives
・close family friends
Common recipients:
・children
・school-age relatives
・sometimes older teenagers or young adults, depending on the family
There is no single rule followed by every household. The age at which someone stops receiving otoshidama depends on the family, relationship, and local custom.
When Is Otoshidama Given?
Otoshidama is given during the Japanese New Year period, especially on New Year’s Day or when relatives meet for their first family gathering of the year.
・January 1
・the first family visit of the new year
・a New Year gathering during the first few days of January
元日に孫へお年玉を渡しました。
Ganjitsu ni mago e otoshidama o watashimashita.
I gave my grandchild New Year money on New Year’s Day.
What Is an Otoshidama Envelope?
Money is normally placed inside a small envelope rather than handed over as loose cash.
an envelope specifically used for otoshidama
ポチ袋 (pochibukuro)
a small paper envelope used for otoshidama, tips, small gifts, and short notes
Otoshidama envelopes are often decorated with:
・pine, bamboo, and plum motifs
・cranes, turtles, and other auspicious symbols
・traditional patterns
・popular characters
・the words お年玉 or おとしだま
Otoshidama-bukuro describes the purpose: an envelope for New Year money.
Pochibukuro describes the type of small envelope, which can also be used for other small gifts or tips.
What Does Pochibukuro Mean?
ポチ袋 (pochibukuro) literally refers to a small paper gift envelope.
a small amount or small gratuity, according to a widely cited explanation
袋 (fukuro / bukuro)
bag or envelope
ポチ袋
a small envelope for a modest gift, tip, or otoshidama
The exact history of pochi has more than one explanation. It is often linked to a Kansai expression referring to a small amount or gratuity. The term later became widely associated with small New Year money envelopes.
How to Write an Otoshidama Envelope
Many envelopes already have a blank space for a name. Designs vary, so there is no need to force one layout onto every envelope.
A common convention is:
write the recipient’s name, often near the upper-left area or in the printed name box
Back:
write the giver’s name, often near the lower-left area or in the printed name box
ゆうたくんへ
To Yuta
Back example:
おじいちゃん・おばあちゃんより
From Grandpa and Grandma
Follow the relationship and the style printed on the envelope.
Do You Need to Write the Amount?
The amount is not normally written prominently on the front. Families handling several envelopes may make a private note on the back, but this is practical recordkeeping rather than an essential part of the gift.
Do You Need to Seal the Envelope?
A small otoshidama envelope is often closed with its flap or a sticker. It does not always need to be permanently glued shut, especially when handed directly to a family member.
How to Put Money in an Otoshidama Envelope
If a banknote is too large for the small envelope, it is commonly folded into thirds.
1. Place the front of the banknote facing upward.
2. Fold the left side toward the center.
3. Fold the right side over it.
4. Insert the note so it opens naturally when removed.
Because envelope shapes differ, the most important point is to keep the money neat and avoid excessive folding.
Avoid dirty, torn, or badly crumpled money. Family practice may differ.
How Much Otoshidama Should You Give?
There is no universal amount. The amount depends on:
・your relationship with the child
・the number of children in the family
・family agreements
・regional custom
・your own financial situation
Many families give older children more than younger children, but the exact amounts vary widely.
What Do You Say When Giving Otoshidama?
You do not need a complicated formal speech. The following expressions are natural.
Here’s your otoshidama.
Very casual and natural within a family.
お年玉だよ。
This is your New Year money.
今年も元気に過ごしてね。
Stay happy and healthy this year.
大切に使ってね。
Use it wisely.
明けましておめでとう。はい、お年玉。
Akemashite omedetou. Hai, otoshidama.
Happy New Year. Here’s your otoshidama.
What Do You Say When Receiving Otoshidama?
Thank you!
ありがとうございます。
Thank you very much.
大切に使います。
I’ll use it carefully.
貯金します。
I’ll save it.
お年玉、ありがとうございます。大切に使います。
Otoshidama, arigatou gozaimasu. Taisetsu ni tsukaimasu.
Thank you for the New Year money. I’ll use it carefully.
Otoshidama vs Okodzukai
Both words can refer to money given to a child, but they are not interchangeable.
New Year money given as a seasonal gift
お小遣い (okodzukai)
allowance or spending money given regularly or for everyday use
毎月、お小遣いをもらっています。
Maitsuki, okodzukai o moratte imasu.
I receive an allowance every month.
お正月にお年玉をもらいました。
Oshōgatsu ni otoshidama o moraimashita.
I received New Year money at New Year.
Otoshidama vs New Year’s Gift
English translations such as “New Year’s gift” are correct but broad. Modern otoshidama normally creates the image of money in a small envelope, especially money given to children.
a Japanese New Year monetary gift given mainly to children
Short translation:
New Year money
Broader translation:
a New Year’s gift
Natural Example Sentences with Otoshidama
今年はお年玉をいくらもらった？
Kotoshi wa otoshidama o ikura moratta?
How much New Year money did you receive this year?
お年玉で新しいゲームを買いました。
Otoshidama de atarashii gēmu o kaimashita.
I bought a new game with my New Year money.
もらったお年玉の半分を貯金した。
Moratta otoshidama no hanbun o chokin shita.
I saved half of the New Year money I received.
祖母がお年玉をポチ袋に入れてくれた。
Sobo ga otoshidama o pochibukuro ni irete kureta.
My grandmother put my New Year money in a small gift envelope.
子どもたちのためにお年玉袋を買いました。
Kodomotachi no tame ni otoshidama-bukuro o kaimashita.
I bought otoshidama envelopes for the children.
親戚の子ども三人にお年玉を渡した。
Shinseki no kodomo sannin ni otoshidama o watashita.
I gave New Year money to three children in my extended family.
このポチ袋、かわいいね。
Kono pochibukuro, kawaii ne.
This little gift envelope is cute.
お年玉を何に使うか、もう決めた？
Otoshidama o nani ni tsukau ka, mō kimeta?
Have you decided what to use your New Year money for?
Common Beginner Mistakes
Mistake 1: Translating お年玉 as “Year Ball”
The individual kanji may suggest “year” and “ball,” but the cultural meaning is a New Year gift and is historically connected with toshidama as a New Year blessing or spirit.
Mistake 2: Calling Every Small Envelope an Otoshidama
Otoshidama is the gift inside. The envelope is an otoshidama-bukuro or pochibukuro.
Envelope: お年玉袋 / ポチ袋
Mistake 3: Using Otoshidama for Regular Allowance
Regular spending money is お小遣い. Otoshidama is a New Year gift.
Mistake 4: Handing Over Crumpled Cash
Even in a casual family setting, place reasonably clean money neatly inside an envelope.
Mistake 5: Assuming Every Family Gives the Same Amount
Amounts and age limits vary. Ask the family instead of relying on one universal chart.
FAQ About Otoshidama
What does otoshidama mean?
Otoshidama is a Japanese New Year gift, now usually money given mainly by adults to children.
What is an otoshidama envelope called?
It is called an お年玉袋 (otoshidama-bukuro) or ポチ袋 (pochibukuro).
How do you write otoshidama in Japanese?
The standard spelling is お年玉. In hiragana, it is おとしだま.
What does pochibukuro mean?
A pochibukuro is a small paper envelope used for otoshidama, small gifts, tips, or short notes.
Who receives otoshidama?
Children commonly receive it from parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other older relatives. Family practices vary.
When is otoshidama given?
It is given during the Japanese New Year holiday, especially on January 1 or at the first family gathering of the year.
How much otoshidama should I give?
There is no universal amount. It depends on the child’s age, your relationship, family rules, and your circumstances.
Where do I write the name on an otoshidama envelope?
A common practice is to write the recipient’s name on the front and the giver’s name on the back. Follow any printed name boxes on the envelope.
Can foreigners give otoshidama?
Yes. When giving it to a child in a Japanese family, asking the parents first is considerate.
Is otoshidama the same as allowance?
No. Otoshidama is a New Year gift. A regular allowance is お小遣い (okodzukai).
Related Japanese New Year Words
明けましておめでとうございます — Happy New Year
初詣 (hatsumōde) — the first shrine or temple visit of the year
大晦日 (ōmisoka) — New Year’s Eve
年賀状 (nengajō) — a New Year greeting card
おせち料理 (osechi ryōri) — traditional New Year food
ポチ袋 (pochibukuro) — a small gift envelope
Explore the full guide here: Japanese New Year Words and Traditions.
Summary: Otoshidama Meaning and Envelope
Otoshidama is a Japanese New Year gift, now usually money given to children.
● Japanese writing
Kanji: お年玉
Hiragana: おとしだま
Romaji: otoshidama
● Cultural origin
The custom is connected with older New Year beliefs involving Toshigami, the “year spirit,” vitality, rice, and New Year gifts.
● Envelope
The small envelope is called an お年玉袋 or ポチ袋.
● Names on the envelope
A common convention is the recipient’s name on the front and the giver’s name on the back.
● Amount
There is no universal amount; it depends on age, relationship, and family practice.
● Useful verbs
お年玉をあげる = give otoshidama
お年玉をもらう = receive otoshidama
お年玉を渡す = hand someone otoshidama
“Otoshidama is Japanese New Year money that adults give to children in small decorative envelopes.”
References
- The Government of Japan: The Origins and Significance of Japan’s New Year’s Culture
- Kotobank: 年玉
- Kotobank: 御年玉
- Kotobank: ぽち袋
- Doshisha Women’s College of Liberal Arts: The Origin of ポチ袋
- QUO Card: Otoshidama Envelope Writing and Preparation Guide