Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Guest" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "guest", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
客
きゃく (kyaku)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
来賓
らいひん (raihin)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "guest" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 客 and 来賓.
In Japanese, 客 (きゃく (kyaku)) is typically associated with "guest, customer, client, passenger" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents A general term for someone who receives a service, enters a store, or rides a vehicle. Can be `お客様.
On the other hand, 来賓 (らいひん (raihin)) maps to "guest (of honor); visitor (at a ceremony, party, etc.)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to important guests or guests of honor at formal events like ceremonies, receptions, or parties. More formal than ゲスト. A literal translation of "guest" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "客"
このレストランはいつも客が多いです。
This restaurant always has many customers.
Bilingual Context for "来賓"
式典には多くの来賓が出席した。
Many guests of honor attended the ceremony.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "このレストランはいつも ＿＿＿ が多いです。" (Meaning: "This restaurant always has many customers.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "客" fits here because it means "guest, customer, client, passenger" in the context of: "This restaurant always has many customers.". "来賓" represents "guest (of honor); visitor (at a ceremony, party, etc.)".