Translation guide
The English word 'hostess' can refer to several different roles in Japanese, depending on context. It can mean a woman who greets and seats customers in a restaurant, a female entertainer in a bar or club, a female host of an event or TV show, or a woman who receives guests in a home. The most common and useful meanings for learners are the restaurant hostess and the nightclub hostess.
A woman who greets and seats customers in a restaurant.
Loanword from English, commonly used in restaurants and hotels for a female hostess who greets and seats guests.
The hostess showed us to our table.
A more general term for a person who guides or ushers, can be used for a hostess in a restaurant or event.
The restaurant hostess was very kind.
A woman employed to entertain male customers at a bar or club, often involving conversation and serving drinks.
The standard term for a hostess in a hostess club or bar. Note that this role is specific to Japanese nightlife and may involve flirting and attentive service.
She works as a hostess at a club in Ginza.
Slang for a hostess working in a kyabakura (cabaret club). More casual and specific to that type of establishment.
A woman who hosts or emcees an event, show, or party.
A woman who receives or entertains guests in her own home.
The word ホステス most commonly refers to a nightclub hostess in Japanese. Using it in other contexts (like a restaurant or home) may cause confusion or unintended connotations. Always consider the situation.
She is a hostess. (likely interpreted as nightclub hostess)
あのキャバ嬢は人気がある。
That hostess is popular.
イベントのホステスは流暢な英語を話した。
The event hostess spoke fluent English.
彼女は完璧なホステスだった。
She was the perfect hostess.