Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Invite" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "invite", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
招待する
しょうたいする (shoutai suru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
誘う
さそう (sasou)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "invite" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 招待する and 誘う.
In Japanese, 招待する (しょうたいする (shoutai suru)) is typically associated with "to invite" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Usually used for inviting someone to an event, party, or home. 特定の場所やイベントに来るように頼む。.
On the other hand, 誘う (さそう (sasou)) maps to "to invite, to ask (someone to do something)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Used when inviting someone to an event, a meal, or to join an activity. 友達を映画に誘う. A literal translation of "invite" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "招待する"
友達を誕生日パーティーに招待しました。
I invited my friends to my birthday party.
Bilingual Context for "誘う"
友達を食事に誘いました。
I invited my friend to dinner.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "友達を誕生日パーティーに招待しました。" (Meaning: "I invited my friends to my birthday party.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "招待する" fits here because it means "to invite" in the context of: "I invited my friends to my birthday party.". "誘う" represents "to invite, to ask (someone to do something)".