Translation guide
The concept of joyful celebration, feasting, and lively social enjoyment. In Japanese, this is expressed through words for banquets, parties, and festive gatherings, with nuances ranging from formal drinking parties to casual fun.
To describe a lively social event where people eat, drink, and celebrate together, such as a party or banquet.
A general term for a banquet or drinking party, often involving a group of people celebrating or socializing. Common for company parties, year-end parties, or formal gatherings.
忘年会は会社の宴会です。
The year-end party is a company banquet.
A drinking party or feast, emphasizing the presence of alcohol. Slightly more literary or formal than 宴会.
彼らは酒宴を開いて勝利を祝った。
They held a drinking party to celebrate the victory.
A celebratory banquet or feast, specifically for marking a happy occasion like a wedding or milestone.
結婚式の後、祝宴が開かれた。
After the wedding ceremony, a celebratory banquet was held.
To express the act of celebrating noisily and happily, often with singing, dancing, or general revelry.
Literally 'festival uproar', this describes a boisterous, festive atmosphere like a carnival or wild party. It conveys the noise and excitement of merrymaking.
優勝が決まって、街はお祭り騒ぎになった。
When the victory was decided, the town erupted in merrymaking.
A state of merrymaking driven by high spirits or elation, often implying a carefree, slightly unrestrained celebration.
給料日後、彼らは浮かれ騒ぎをした。
After payday, they engaged in merrymaking.
To describe having fun with others in a relaxed, informal setting, like a get-together or night out.
A drinking party or get-together, very common in Japanese social life. It implies a casual, often after-work gathering for food and drinks.
今夜は同僚と飲み会がある。
I have a drinking party with colleagues tonight.
A loanword from English, used for parties of various kinds, from casual house parties to formal events. It's widely understood and used.
A verb meaning 'to enjoy oneself'. It can be used in contexts of merrymaking when combined with words like 'party' or 'gathering'.
宴会 (enkai) is a more formal term for a banquet or organized party, often with a set course and speeches. 飲み会 (nomikai) is a casual drinking party, typically at an izakaya, with less formality. Use 宴会 for company events or ceremonies, and 飲み会 for casual after-work drinks.
会社の宴会はホテルで行われた。
The company banquet was held at a hotel.
金曜日はいつも同僚と飲み会だ。
Fridays are always drinking parties with colleagues.
The English word 'merrymaking' is somewhat literary and old-fashioned. In Japanese, there is no single exact equivalent. Choose a word based on the specific context: a formal banquet (宴会), a noisy celebration (お祭り騒ぎ), or casual fun (楽しむ). Using a direct translation like 陽気な騒ぎ is possible but less natural than the options provided.
チームが勝って、通りはお祭り騒ぎだった。
The streets were filled with merrymaking after the team won.
彼らは居酒屋で一晩中宴会をした。
They had a night of merrymaking at the izakaya.
A noisy, boisterous party or uproar, often with the sound of drums or loud music. Conveys a rowdy, festive atmosphere.
隣の家でどんちゃん騒ぎが続いている。
There's been merrymaking going on next door.
友達の誕生日パーティーで盛り上がった。
We had a great time at my friend's birthday party.
We all enjoyed ourselves noisily (merrymaking).