Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Welcome" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "welcome", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
歓迎
かんげい (kangei)
N3 / 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 歓迎 and お帰り.
In Japanese, 歓迎 (かんげい (kangei)) is typically associated with "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.
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 "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.
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: "新入留学生を ＿＿＿ するために、パーティーを開きました。" (Meaning: "We held a party to welcome the new international students.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "歓迎" fits here because it means "welcome" in the context of: "We held a party to welcome the new international students.". "お帰り" represents "Welcome home; Welcome back (used when someone returns)".