Translation guide
A social gathering where dinner is served, typically in the evening. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 夕食会 (ゆうしょくかい), but other terms like 晩餐会 (ばんさんかい) for formal events or 夜の集まり (よるのあつまり) for casual get-togethers are also used. The choice depends on formality and context.
There's a dinner party at my friend's house tonight.
A more casual way to refer to an evening gathering that includes dinner. Often used for informal get-togethers.
I'm planning to have a small dinner party on the weekend.
Loanword from English, commonly understood, especially for Western-style dinner parties. Slightly more casual than 夕食会.
I was invited to a company dinner party.
A formal evening meal event, often with many guests, speeches, or a ceremonial aspect.
Refers to a formal banquet or dinner party, often hosted by organizations, governments, or for special occasions.
A dinner party was held at the embassy.
A somewhat old-fashioned or literary term for an evening party, including dinner parties. Rarely used in modern conversation.
An informal meal with friends or family, often at home, without the formality of a 'party'.
Literally 'dinner together'. A natural way to invite someone for a casual dinner without labeling it a party.
How about a dinner party tonight? (casual invitation)
Very casual invitation meaning 'Won't you come over for dinner?'. Implies a small, informal dinner gathering.
The direct translation 'ディナーパーティー' is understood but can sound like a Western-style event. For everyday invitations, it's more natural to use phrases like '夕食を一緒に' or 'ご飯を食べに来ない？'.
Japanese often omits the word 'party' when the context is clear. Simply saying '夕食に来ませんか？' (Would you like to come for dinner?) is sufficient and more natural than explicitly saying 'dinner party'.
彼は夜会に招かれた。
He was invited to a dinner party.
Why don't you come over for a dinner party this Saturday?