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
歓迎
かんげい (kangei)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "welcome" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between むかえる and 歓迎.
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, 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 "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 "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: "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.". "歓迎" represents "welcome".