Translation guide
In Japanese, the 'guest of honor' is expressed with specific terms that reflect the formality of the occasion and the relationship to the host. The most common and versatile word is 主賓, used in formal settings like weddings and ceremonies. For distinguished guests at events, 来賓 is used, while 正客 is a traditional term for the top guest in tea ceremonies or formal dinners. In casual contexts, the concept is often conveyed descriptively rather than with a single noun.
The primary invited guest at a ceremony, banquet, or official function, such as a wedding, award ceremony, or corporate event.
We would like to ask the guest of honor to give a speech.
He was the guest of honor at the wedding.
Refers to a distinguished guest invited to an event, often from outside the hosting organization. Common at school ceremonies, company events, and official functions. It emphasizes the guest's status as an honored visitor rather than the central figure.
We express our gratitude to all the distinguished guests.
The seats for honored guests are at the front.
The most important guest in a traditional Japanese context, such as a tea ceremony, formal dinner, or seating arrangement based on rank.
The principal guest in a tea ceremony or formal Japanese-style banquet. This term is deeply rooted in traditional etiquette and implies a specific role and seating position (kamiza).
At a tea gathering, the guest of honor receives tea first.
Literally 'upper guest,' this term can mean an honored guest or a good customer. In some contexts, it refers to the guest of honor, but it is less specific than 正客 and can sound old-fashioned or commercial.
When the concept of 'guest of honor' is not tied to a formal title, Japanese often uses descriptive phrases or simply refers to the person by name with honorifics.
In less formal or smaller gatherings, the guest of honor is often addressed directly by name with an appropriate honorific (様 for general respect, 先生 for teachers/doctors/politicians). The host may introduce them as 'today's main guest' using a phrase like 本日の主役 (today's star) or simply explain their role.
This is our guest of honor today, Mr. Tanaka.
We have a special guest with us today.
A polite, general term for 'guest' or 'customer.' While not specifically 'guest of honor,' it can be used with modifiers like (important) or (special) to convey the idea in casual or service contexts.
主賓 is the central figure of the event, often the reason for the gathering (e.g., the award recipient, the person being celebrated). 来賓 is a distinguished guest who attends to honor the event but is not the main focus. At a wedding, the 主賓 might be the couple's boss who gives a speech, while 来賓 could be other VIP attendees.
After the guest of honor's speech, we also received remarks from the distinguished guests.
The phrase 'guest of honor' translated literally as 名誉の客 (めいよのきゃく) is not natural Japanese. Always use the appropriate term based on context, or describe the person's role.
正客は床の間の前に座ります。
The guest of honor sits in front of the alcove.
上客として丁重にもてなされた。
He was treated with great hospitality as an honored guest.
We are welcoming an important guest today.