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.
今夜は友達の誕生日パーティーに行きます。
I'm going to a friend's birthday party tonight.
会社のクリスマスパーティーは楽しかったです。
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.
忘年会は大きな宴会でした。
The year-end party was a big banquet.
Literally 'drinking party'. A casual gathering focused on drinking, like an after-work party with colleagues.
金曜日に部署の飲み会があります。
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.
今夜パーリーしようぜ！
Let's party tonight!
An organized political group with shared aims, such as a political party.
The standard term for a political party.
彼は新しい政党を設立した。
He founded a new political party.
与党と野党の意見が対立している。
The ruling party and the opposition parties are in conflict.
Suffix meaning 'party', used in party names like 自民党 (Liberal Democratic Party).
自民党は日本の主要な政党です。
The Liberal Democratic Party is a major political party in Japan.
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.
首相一行は明日帰国します。
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).
救助隊が遭難者を探している。
The rescue party is searching for the missing person.
A person or group involved in a legal contract or lawsuit.
The standard legal term for a party to a contract or lawsuit.
契約の当事者は両方とも署名しなければならない。
Both parties to the contract must sign.
Refers to interested parties or persons concerned. Broader than 当事者, can include stakeholders.
A person or group not directly involved but affected or mentioned.
The standard term for a third party, someone not directly involved.
個人情報を第三者に提供してはいけません。
Do not provide personal information to third parties.
An outsider, a person not belonging to the group. Often used in contexts like 'no outsiders allowed'.
A shared telephone line, or figuratively, the official policy of a political party.
Literally 'shared telephone line'. This is the technical term for a party line, but it's rarely used today.
昔は共同電話線が一般的だった。
Party lines were common in the past.
For the figurative meaning: the official policy or stance of a political party.
彼は党の方針に従って投票した。
He voted along party lines.
While パーティー is perfect for social gatherings, it is not used for political parties. Use 政党 or 党 instead.
民主党は大きな政党です。
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.
パーティーに行きますか？
Are you going to the party?
契約には両当事者の合意が必要です。
The contract requires both parties to agree.
捜索隊が派遣された。
A search party was sent out.
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.
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.
No outside parties are allowed in this meeting.