Translation guide
The English verb 'entertain' has several distinct meanings: to amuse or provide enjoyment, to host guests, and to consider an idea. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each.
To keep someone interested, amused, or happy, often through performance, conversation, or activities.
The most direct and common way to say 'entertain' in the sense of amusing or delighting someone. It is the causative form of 楽しむ (to enjoy).
He entertained everyone with jokes.
It's hard work entertaining children.
Often used reflexively or in passive-like constructions to mean 'enjoy oneself' or 'be entertained'. Not directly 'to entertain someone' but useful for describing the experience.
The audience enjoyed (were entertained by) the show.
Means 'to please' or 'to delight'. Stronger emotional nuance than 楽しませる. Often used when making someone happy through a gesture or gift.
She entertained (delighted) her parents with a song.
Primarily means 'to host' or 'to treat hospitably', but can imply entertaining guests with food, drink, or activities. See the 'host guests' meaning for more detail.
They entertained the guests with magic tricks.
To receive guests and provide them with food, drink, or activities, often in one's home.
The standard verb for hosting and entertaining guests, implying warm hospitality. Often used in the context of home entertaining or formal receptions.
I plan to entertain friends at home this weekend.
A noun phrase meaning 'hospitality' or 'entertaining guests'. Often used to describe the act of hosting with a spirit of selfless service. Common in Japanese culture.
Refers to entertaining clients or business associates, often with meals or drinks. Has a formal, business context. Can imply wining and dining.
To think about or be willing to accept an idea, suggestion, or proposal.
The most common and natural way to say 'entertain' in the sense of considering an idea. It implies careful examination or deliberation.
I will entertain his proposal.
That possibility is worth entertaining.
Means 'to take into consideration'. Slightly more formal than 検討する, often used when weighing factors or opinions.
I will entertain his opinion.
Literally 'to accept'. Can be used when you are willing to entertain an idea to the point of accepting it. Stronger than just considering.
Avoid using 楽しませる or もてなす when you mean 'to consider an idea'. These would sound nonsensical. Use 検討する or 考慮する instead.
楽しませる focuses on amusing or delighting someone, while もてなす focuses on hosting and providing hospitality. Use 楽しませる for performances or jokes, and もてなす for having guests over.
He is good at entertaining guests.
Japanese hospitality (entertaining guests) is known worldwide.
I reserved a traditional restaurant to entertain our business clients.
She is ready to entertain new ideas.