Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Welcome" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "welcome", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
迎える
むかえる (mukaeru)
N4 / 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 迎える and 歓迎.
In Japanese, 迎える (むかえる (mukaeru)) is typically associated with "to welcome, to meet (someone at a place)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents To go out to meet someone upon their arrival, to receive a guest, or to welcome an event/season.
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 "迎える"
空港に友達を迎えに行った。
I went to the airport to meet 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: "空港に友達を迎えに行った。" (Meaning: "I went to the airport to meet my friend.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "迎える" fits here because it means "to welcome, to meet (someone at a place)" in the context of: "I went to the airport to meet my friend.". "歓迎" represents "welcome".