Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Welcome" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "welcome", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
いらっしゃいませ
いらっしゃいませ (irasshaimase)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
歓迎
かんげい (kangei)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "welcome" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between いらっしゃいませ and 歓迎.
In Japanese, いらっしゃいませ (いらっしゃいませ (irasshaimase)) is typically associated with "Welcome (to a store/restaurant)" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents A formal and polite welcome greeting used by shop staff, restaurant employees, or hosts to customers entering their establishment. It's not typically used between friends or in informal settings..
On the other hand, 歓迎 (かんげい (kangei)) maps to "welcome" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to welcoming or greeting visitors, new members, or ideas warmly. Can be used with する as a verb. A literal translation of "welcome" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "いらっしゃいませ"
お店に入ると、店員が「いらっしゃいませ！」と言いました。
When I entered the shop, the clerk said, "Welcome!"
Bilingual Context for "歓迎"
新入留学生を歓迎するために、パーティーを開きました。
We held a party to welcome the new international students.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "お店に入ると、店員が「 ＿＿＿ ！」と言いました。" (Meaning: "When I entered the shop, the clerk said, "Welcome!"")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "いらっしゃいませ" fits here because it means "Welcome (to a store/restaurant)" in the context of: "When I entered the shop, the clerk said, "Welcome!"". "歓迎" represents "welcome".