Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Party" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "party", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
パーティー
パーティー (paatii)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
宴会
えんかい (enkai)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "party" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between パーティー and 宴会.
In Japanese, パーティー (パーティー (paatii)) is typically associated with "party" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Katakana noun. Refers to a social gathering. Often used with をします.
On the other hand, 宴会 (えんかい (enkai)) maps to "party, banquet, reception" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to a formal or semi-formal gathering, often involving food and drinks, held for a specific purpose. A literal translation of "party" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "パーティー"
友達の誕生日パーティーに行きます。
I'm going to my friend's birthday party.
Bilingual Context for "宴会"
会社の忘年会で盛大な宴会が開かれました。
A grand banquet was held for the company's year-end party.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "友達の誕生日 ＿＿＿ に行きます。" (Meaning: "I'm going to my friend's birthday party.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "パーティー" fits here because it means "party" in the context of: "I'm going to my friend's birthday party.". "宴会" represents "party, banquet, reception".