Translation guide
A social gathering to say goodbye to someone who is leaving. Japanese has several common expressions, with 送別会 (そうべつかい) being the most standard. The choice depends on formality and context.
A planned event, often at work or school, to send someone off.
The most common and neutral term for a farewell party, especially in professional or school settings.
There will be a farewell party for Mr. Tanaka next week.
I was put in charge of organizing the farewell party.
A slightly softer, more personal term. Often used for children's events or less formal gatherings.
We held a farewell party at the kindergarten.
A send-off party specifically to encourage someone embarking on a new challenge, like studying abroad or starting a new job. Has a connotation of cheering them on.
We held a send-off party for a friend who is going to study abroad.
An informal get-together with friends or colleagues to say goodbye, often involving drinks.
Still used for casual events, though it may sound slightly formal. Often combined with 飲み会 (drinking party).
Tonight I'm going out for drinks for a farewell party.
A casual farewell drinking party. Very common among friends.
Let's have a farewell drinking party tomorrow.
Literally 'a party to send off'. Less common, but can be used in casual contexts.
We had his farewell party at karaoke.
Expressing the idea of a farewell gathering without using a specific noun.
Instead of a noun, describe the action: 送別会をする (hold a farewell party), お別れをする (say goodbye), etc.
We all said our goodbyes (implying a gathering).
I want to do something like a farewell party for him.
送別会 is the standard term for a farewell party, especially in business or formal settings. お別れ会 sounds softer and is often used for children or personal gatherings. 壮行会 is specifically for cheering someone on to a new endeavor.
The company farewell party was held at a hotel.
I cried at the children's farewell party.
Even though 送別会 is a formal word, it's perfectly fine to use it in casual conversation. You can also shorten it to 送別会をする or just say 飲み会 if the context is clear.