Translation guide
The English word "reception" covers several distinct concepts in Japanese. The most common meanings are a social event (like a wedding reception), the act of receiving something (like a signal or a welcome), and a hotel front desk. This guide breaks down these meanings and provides natural Japanese equivalents.
A formal party or gathering to celebrate a special occasion, especially after a wedding ceremony.
Specifically refers to a wedding reception or banquet. This is the most common word for a wedding reception.
披露宴はホテルで行われました。
The reception was held at a hotel.
披露宴に招待されました。
I was invited to the wedding reception.
A loanword from English, used for formal receptions or parties, not limited to weddings. Often used in business or diplomatic contexts.
大使館でレセプションが開かれました。
A reception was held at the embassy.
A celebration party or banquet, often for achievements, anniversaries, or public figures. More general than 披露宴.
受賞を祝う祝賀会が開かれた。
A reception was held to celebrate the award.
The process of receiving something, such as radio signals, TV broadcasts, or data.
Refers to receiving signals, broadcasts, emails, etc. Often used in technical contexts.
ラジオの受信状態が悪い。
The radio reception is poor.
メールの受信を確認してください。
Please check your email reception (incoming mail).
Specifically means 'reception quality' or 'reception conditions', commonly used for mobile phones, TV, etc.
山の中では携帯の受信状態が不安定です。
Cell phone reception is unstable in the mountains.
General term for receiving something physically or abstractly, but less common for signals. Can be used for 'reception of a message' in a non-technical sense.
The way in which people react to something, such as an idea, performance, or person.
Means 'reaction' or 'response'. Often used to describe how an audience or public receives something.
新製品の反応は上々だった。
The reception of the new product was favorable.
彼のスピーチは温かい反応を得た。
His speech received a warm reception.
Means 'acceptance' or 'reception', emphasizing whether something is accepted or embraced.
Means 'reputation' or 'reviews', often used for critical reception of works like movies or books.
The area in a hotel where guests check in and get information.
Short for 'front desk'. The most common term in hotels.
チェックインはフロントでお願いします。
Please check in at the reception desk.
General term for a reception desk or counter, used in hotels, offices, hospitals, etc.
The place where visitors are greeted in an office, school, or building.
The standard word for a reception desk or counter in any facility.
会社の受付で名前を言ってください。
Please give your name at the company reception.
Refers to the entrance hall of a building, sometimes used for a reception area in smaller establishments.
In sports, the act of catching a ball, especially in American football.
Loanword used in sports like volleyball and tennis for receiving a serve or shot. In American football, 'reception' is often translated as レシーブ or キャッチ.
彼は素晴らしいレシーブを見せた。
He made an amazing reception (catch).
General word for 'catch', used in many sports including baseball and American football.
ワンハンドキャッチでタッチダウン！
A one-handed reception for a touchdown!
Both mean reception desk, but 受付 is a general term for any reception counter (office, hospital, school), while フロント specifically refers to a hotel front desk. In a hotel, フロント is more common and natural.
病院の受付はあちらです。
The hospital reception is over there.
フロントに電話してください。
Please call the front desk.
The English loanword レセプション (reception) is used for formal parties or events, not for a hotel front desk. Using it to mean 'front desk' would cause confusion.
披露宴は素晴らしかったです。
The wedding reception was beautiful.
家では携帯の受信状態が悪いです。
I have poor cell phone reception at home.
受付でお待ちください。
Please wait at the reception desk.
The reception of his proposal varies from person to person.
その政策は国民に広く受け入れられた。
The policy met with wide reception (acceptance) among the public.
その映画は批評家の間で高い評判を得た。
The film received high critical reception.
ホテルの受付で鍵を受け取ってください。
Please pick up your key at the hotel reception.
学校の玄関で受付をしています。
Reception is at the school entrance.