Translation guide
A formal or social midday meal, often an event. In Japanese, the concept is expressed through specific terms for lunch events, formal meals, or simply 'lunch' depending on context.
A planned, often official or ceremonial midday meal, such as a business luncheon, charity luncheon, or awards luncheon.
Literally 'lunch gathering/meeting'. The most direct equivalent for a formal luncheon event. Commonly used for organized midday meals with a purpose.
There is a company luncheon tomorrow.
Loanword from English 'luncheon'. Used for Western-style formal lunches, often in hotel or event contexts. Sounds sophisticated.
Formal, somewhat literary term for a luncheon party. Rare in everyday speech, but may appear in formal invitations or writing.
Simply the meal eaten around noon, without the formal event connotation. 'Luncheon' can be a more formal word for 'lunch' in English.
Standard word for 'lunch' (the meal). Slightly more formal than お昼ご飯, but perfectly natural in most situations.
It's time for luncheon.
Let's have luncheon.
Casual, everyday word for 'lunch'. Not typically used for formal events, but fine for daily conversation.
What did you have for luncheon?
Common loanword for 'lunch'. Used in casual and semi-formal contexts, often for restaurant meals or set menus.
In some older or regional English usage, 'luncheon' can refer to a light meal or snack between main meals. This is rare in modern Japanese equivalents.
Means 'light meal' or 'snack'. Can be used for a light luncheon, but not specifically tied to midday.
I had a light luncheon in the afternoon.
昼食会 is the standard Japanese term for a formal luncheon event, while ランチョン is a loanword that carries a Western, often upscale nuance. Use 昼食会 for most business or social luncheons; use ランチョン for hotel or Western-style events.
ランチョン is not as common as 'luncheon' in English. In many cases, 昼食会 or simply 昼食/ランチ is more natural. Using ランチョン for a casual lunch sounds affected.
We attended a charity luncheon.
The luncheon will be served at noon.
I attended a charity luncheon.
ホテルでランチョンが開かれた。
A luncheon was held at the hotel.
午餐会のご案内を申し上げます。
We cordially invite you to a luncheon.
I had pasta for luncheon today.