Translation guide
A speech or message given when leaving a place, job, or group. In Japanese, the expression depends heavily on the context and relationship.
A prepared speech given at a formal occasion, such as a retirement, transfer, or graduation.
A formal farewell address, often used in ceremonies. '送別' means farewell, '辞' means words/speech.
送別の辞を述べる機会をいただき、光栄に思います。
I am honored to have the opportunity to give a farewell address.
A formal farewell speech, often used in official or ceremonial contexts. Slightly more literary than 送別の辞.
会長が告辞を述べた。
The chairman gave a farewell address.
A polite, general term for a farewell greeting or speech. Suitable for semi-formal settings.
転勤する同僚がお別れの挨拶をした。
The colleague who is transferring gave a farewell address.
A casual speech or a few words said when leaving a social gathering or workplace.
A neutral term for a farewell greeting or speech. Can be used in both casual and slightly formal situations.
飲み会の最後に、彼が別れの挨拶をした。
At the end of the party, he gave a farewell address.
Literally 'a brief greeting'. Used when someone is asked to say a few farewell words informally.
最後に、一言ご挨拶をお願いします。
Finally, please give a short farewell address.
A written message expressing goodbye, often in a group card or email to a departing colleague.
A farewell message, commonly used in written form like cards or emails.
寄せ書きに送別のメッセージを書いた。
I wrote a farewell address in the group card.
Farewell words, can be spoken or written. Slightly more emotional.
先生にお別れの言葉を贈った。
I gave a farewell address to the teacher.
A eulogy or final words addressed to the deceased.
A funeral address or eulogy. Specifically for paying respects to the deceased.
友人が葬儀で弔辞を読んだ。
A friend read a farewell address at the funeral.
Can also be used in a funeral context, though 弔辞 is more specific.
最後のお別れの言葉を述べた。
I gave a final farewell address.
送別の辞 is the most common formal term for a farewell speech at ceremonies. 告辞 is more literary and often used in official written programs. お別れの挨拶 is polite but less rigid, suitable for workplace farewells.
送別会で送別の辞を述べた。
I gave a farewell address at the farewell party.
式次第に「告辞」と書いてあった。
The program said 'farewell address'.
In Japanese, the term you choose depends on the occasion. For a formal ceremony, use 送別の辞 or 告辞. For a casual gathering, 別れの挨拶 or 一言ご挨拶 is more natural. Avoid using overly formal terms in casual settings, as it may sound stiff.
彼は退職パーティーで感動的な送別の辞を述べた。
He delivered a moving farewell address at his retirement party.
一言お別れの挨拶をお願いできますか？
Could you say a few words as a farewell address?