Translation guide
A social gathering to say goodbye to someone who is leaving, such as a colleague transferring, a student graduating, or a friend moving away.
A party or gathering to bid farewell to someone leaving a workplace, school, or social group.
The standard term for a farewell party, especially in professional or formal settings. It literally means 'farewell gathering'.
We're holding a send-off party for Tanaka-san next week.
The venue for the send-off party is the restaurant in front of the station.
A send-off party specifically to encourage someone embarking on a new challenge, like a sports team before a tournament or a colleague starting a new venture. More about cheering them on than just saying goodbye.
A send-off party was held for the Olympic athletes.
A more casual or personal farewell gathering, often used among friends, family, or for children. The prefix 'お' adds politeness.
We had a send-off party for a friend who's moving away.
A less common variant, literally 'sending-off gathering'. Can be used in similar contexts but 送別会 is much more standard.
We're planning a send-off party for the retiring department head.
An informal gathering, often at a bar or izakaya, to say goodbye to someone.
送別会 is a general farewell party, while 壮行会 specifically cheers someone on for a future endeavor (e.g., before a competition, new job). Use 壮行会 when the focus is on encouragement and success, not just saying goodbye.
We held a send-off party to celebrate his new challenge.
In Japanese workplaces, a send-off party (送別会) is often organized by the person's colleagues or subordinates. It's common to collect money from attendees and give a gift. The guest of honor usually doesn't pay.
Literally 'kicking-out party', used among students or close colleagues. コンパ comes from 'company' and means a social gathering, often with drinking. Has a playful, slightly rowdy nuance.
Let's throw a send-off party for the graduating seniors.