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1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 拶 has 9 strokes and the on-reading さつ. It appears in greeting-related words such as 挨拶 (あいさつ) and 挨拶状 (あいさつじょう).
• Basic usage: 挨拶 can mean a greeting on meeting someone or a short address at an event; 挨拶状 is a letter or card conveying greetings and news.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Spoken greetings and greeting letters
  • 笑顔で挨拶した means greeted a neighbor with a smile. 短い挨拶を述べた describes the principal giving a short address at the beginning of the ceremony.
  • 転居を知らせる挨拶状 means a greeting letter announcing a move. 店の開業に合わせて places the preparation of the greeting letters around the shop's opening.