Translation guide
A formal meal for many people, often to celebrate something. In Japanese, the most common word is 宴会 (えんかい), but there are several other terms depending on formality and context.
banquet (general)
A social gathering with food and drinks, often to celebrate or mark an occasion.
The most common and general word for a banquet or party with food and drinks. Used for both formal and informal gatherings.
There is a company banquet tonight.
Please help with the banquet preparations.
Loanword from English 'party'. Often implies a less formal, more casual gathering, but can be used for banquets as well.
A celebratory banquet or feast. More formal and literary than 宴会.
A formal sit-down meal, often with speeches or ceremonies, such as a state banquet or awards dinner.
A banquet-like gathering focused on drinking, common in Japanese business culture.
宴会 (えんかい) is the standard word for a banquet or party with food and drinks, often with a set course. パーティー is a loanword from English and can feel more casual or Western-style. For a traditional Japanese banquet, 宴会 is more appropriate.
banquet hall
In English, 'banquet' can refer to a very formal state dinner. In Japanese, 晩餐会 (ばんさんかい) is used for such events. Using 宴会 for a state banquet would sound too casual.
They held a banquet to celebrate the victory.
The wedding banquet was beautiful.
披露宴 (ひろうえん) is specifically a wedding reception/banquet.
結婚式の後にパーティーがあります。
There is a party after the wedding ceremony.
祝宴が盛大に開かれた。
A grand banquet was held.
王は貴族たちを饗宴に招いた。
The king invited the nobles to a banquet.
忘年会は大きな宴会になる。
The year-end party will be a big banquet.