Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Welcome" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "welcome", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
むかえる
むかえる (mukaeru)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
お帰り
おかえり (okaeri)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "welcome" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between むかえる and お帰り.
In Japanese, むかえる (むかえる (mukaeru)) is typically associated with "to welcome; to meet; to pick up (a person)" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Used when meeting someone at a designated place, often to bring them somewhere else, or to welcome a new event/year..
On the other hand, お帰り (おかえり (okaeri)) maps to "Welcome home; Welcome back (used when someone returns)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents A common greeting said to someone who has returned home or to a place they belong. Usually used in the phrase 「おかえりなさい」. A literal translation of "welcome" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "むかえる"
空港まで友達を迎えに行きます。
I'm going to the airport to pick up my friend.
Bilingual Context for "お帰り"
「ただいま！」「お帰り！」
"I'm home!" "Welcome home!"
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "空港まで友達を迎えに行きます。" (Meaning: "I'm going to the airport to pick up my friend.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "むかえる" fits here because it means "to welcome; to meet; to pick up (a person)" in the context of: "I'm going to the airport to pick up my friend.". "お帰り" represents "Welcome home; Welcome back (used when someone returns)".