Translation guide
The English phrase 'be invited' is most naturally expressed in Japanese using the passive form of the verb 招待する (shoutai suru) or the verb 招く (maneku). However, Japanese often uses other constructions depending on context, such as '〜に呼ばれる' (to be called to) or simply stating that one received an invitation. This guide covers the most common and natural ways to express the idea of being invited in various situations.
Expressing that someone has been invited to a party, wedding, meeting, etc.
I was invited to my friend's wedding.
He wasn't invited to the party.
The passive form of 招く (to invite). Slightly more formal or literary than 招待される, but still common. Often used for being invited to someone's home or a formal event.
We were invited to the professor's house for dinner.
Literally 'to be called', but often used to mean 'to be invited' in casual contexts, especially for informal gatherings. It implies being asked to come.
Were you invited to tomorrow's drinking party?
A polite expression meaning 'to receive an invitation'. Often used in formal situations or when speaking humbly about oneself.
Thank you for inviting me to dinner the other day.
Expressing that someone has been asked to take part in an activity, project, or group.
Literally 'to be asked to participate'. This is a natural way to express being invited to join an activity or project, especially in professional or formal settings.
He was invited to join the new project.
The passive form of 誘う (to invite/tempt). This is a very common and versatile word for being invited to do something together, such as going out, playing, or joining an activity. It can be used in both casual and polite contexts.
I was invited to a movie by a friend.
An idiomatic expression meaning 'to be approached' or 'to be invited' (often for a job, role, or opportunity). It implies someone has reached out to you.
He was invited to take on a new job.
Referring to receiving a formal written invitation, such as a card or official request.
Literally 'an invitation card arrives'. This is the most natural way to say you received a formal written invitation.
I received an invitation to the wedding.
Often used for receiving an invitation or notice for an event, especially from an organization. 案内 (annai) can mean invitation, guidance, or information.
English speakers often try to directly translate 'be invited' as 招待されている (shoutai sarete iru), which means 'I am in the state of being invited' and can sound unnatural. Instead, use the past tense 招待された (shoutai sareta) for 'was invited' or the present tense for future invitations depending on context.
You can also express being invited by using 〜てもらう (te morau) to show you received the favor of an invitation. For example, 友達にパーティーに招待してもらった (I got invited to the party by a friend). This emphasizes the kindness of the inviter.
I've been invited to give a speech at the conference.
Were you invited to the party?
She is often invited to lunch.
I received an invitation to the company year-end party.