Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of a 'guest' varies significantly based on context: a hotel guest, a house visitor, a TV show guest, or a customer. The most common words are お客様 (formal/polite), お客さん (casual), and 客 (neutral/abstract).
Referring to a paying guest or customer in a service context.
The standard polite term used by staff to address or refer to customers, guests, or clients. It shows respect and is the safest choice in service situations.
Thank you for waiting, sir/madam.
A more casual but still polite term. Used by staff in less formal settings, or when talking about customers among colleagues. Also used in everyday conversation.
Neutral, somewhat blunt. Used in compound words, signs, or when speaking abstractly. Not used to directly address a guest.
Referring to someone who visits your house, apartment, etc.
Referring to a guest on a TV program, at a party, or at an event.
Loanword from English, very common for TV show guests, event guests, wedding guests, etc. Implies a special invited status.
Referring to someone staying at a hotel, inn, or similar accommodation.
The English phrase 'Be my guest' (meaning 'go ahead') does not translate literally. Use どうぞ (dōzo) or ご自由にどうぞ (go-jiyū ni dōzo) instead.
お客様 is the default for service staff addressing customers. Using お客さん in a formal service setting can sound too casual or even rude. In private conversation about a visitor, お客さん is natural.
We have few guests today.
あのお客さん、よく来るね。
That customer comes often, doesn't he?
The customer turnout is poor.
The most common way to refer to a visitor. It is polite and friendly. Can be used for both expected and unexpected visitors.
I have guests coming today, so I have to clean.
We have a guest, so please be quiet.
A more formal, written term for a visitor. Often used in business or official contexts, or on signs.
parking for visitors
Very polite; used when you want to show extreme respect to a visitor, or when speaking about someone else's guest. Overly formal for casual home visitors.
A guest has arrived. (very formal)
Today's guest is a famous actor.
I made the wedding guest list.
Literally 'invited guest'. Used for formal events, parties, ceremonies. Emphasizes that the person was invited.
to guide the invited guests
Very formal term for a distinguished guest at a ceremony or official function. Not for everyday use.
Distinguished guests, please rise.
Specifically means a guest who is staying overnight. Used in hotel contexts.
Breakfast is free for hotel guests.
The general polite term also used for hotel guests, especially when addressing them directly.
Sir/Madam, here is your room key.