Translation guide
The English word 'party' has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: a social gathering, a political group, a group of people doing something together, and a participant in a legal contract. It also notes when 'party' is used in specific phrases like 'third party' or 'party line'.
A social event where people meet to enjoy themselves, often with food, drink, and music.
The most common and direct translation for a social party. Used for various types of parties, from casual get-togethers to formal events.
I'm going to a friend's birthday party tonight.
The company Christmas party was fun.
Refers to a banquet or formal dinner party, often with drinking. Common for company parties, year-end parties, or wedding receptions.
The year-end party was a big banquet.
Literally 'drinking party'. A casual gathering focused on drinking, like an after-work party with colleagues.
There's a department drinking party on Friday.
A slangy, playful variant of パーティー, often used by young people or in casual contexts.
Let's party tonight!
An organized political group with shared aims, such as a political party.
A group of people involved in an activity together, such as a search party or a tour group.
Refers to a party or group traveling or acting together. Often used for delegations, tour groups, or official parties.
The prime minister's party will return home tomorrow.
A general term for a group. Can be used for a party of people, but less formal than 一行.
Suffix for a squad, party, or corps, often used in military or organized group contexts (e.g., 救助隊 rescue party).
A person or group involved in a legal contract or lawsuit.
A person or group not directly involved but affected or mentioned.
A shared telephone line, or figuratively, the official policy of a political party.
While パーティー is perfect for social gatherings, it is not used for political parties. Use 政党 or 党 instead.
The Democratic Party is a big political party.
宴会 (enkai) is a formal banquet, often with a set course meal and speeches. 飲み会 (nomikai) is a casual drinking party, usually at an izakaya. パーティー (paatii) is a general party, often standing-style with finger food, influenced by Western culture.
Are you going to the party?
The contract requires both parties to agree.
A search party was sent out.
The ruling party and the opposition parties are in conflict.
The Liberal Democratic Party is a major political party in Japan.
観光客のグループがバスを待っていた。
A party of tourists was waiting for the bus.
The rescue party is searching for the missing person.
この問題の関係者全員に連絡してください。
Please contact all parties involved in this matter.
この会議には部外者は入れません。
No outside parties are allowed in this meeting.
He voted along party lines.