Translation guide
A send-off is a social event or gesture to say goodbye to someone who is leaving. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 送別会 (farewell party), but expressions vary depending on the context, such as seeing someone off at the airport or giving a warm farewell.
farewell party
to see someone off
A social event organized to say goodbye to someone leaving a workplace, school, or community.
The standard term for a farewell party. It can be used in both formal and casual settings.
There will be a farewell party for Mr. Tanaka next week.
A slightly softer, more personal term for a farewell gathering. Often used for children or informal settings.
A send-off party specifically for someone embarking on a new challenge, like a sports team or a colleague transferring to a new post. Has a connotation of encouragement.
The physical act of accompanying someone to their departure point, such as a station or airport, to say goodbye.
A general expression of bidding someone farewell with warmth or enthusiasm, not necessarily a party.
送別会 is a general farewell party, while 壮行会 specifically encourages someone starting a new endeavor. Use 壮行会 for athletes, colleagues transferring to a challenging post, or students going abroad to study.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all uses of 'send-off'. Avoid direct translations like 送り出し (which means 'sending out' but not a farewell event). Use the appropriate term based on context.
We gave him a nice send-off.
If it was a party, say 送別会を開いた instead.
The team got a rousing send-off from the fans.
送別会でスピーチを頼まれました。
I was asked to give a speech at the farewell party.
We held a farewell party at the kindergarten.
A send-off party was held for the athletes.
I saw my friend off at the station.
You don't need to see me off any further.
He departed with a grand send-off.