挨拶状

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 挨拶状(あいさつじょう) combines 挨拶, a greeting, with 状, indicating a written document.
• Basic usage: It is a letter or card that conveys greetings while announcing news such as a move or a business opening.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Greeting and sending a greeting letter
  • 挨拶する describes greeting someone; 挨拶状を送る describes sending a document. In 親戚に送る, に marks the recipients.
• News and invitations
  • 転居を知らせる挨拶状 is a greeting letter announcing a move. Even when it announces a business opening, whether it invites attendance depends on its contents.