イベント
ibento[ibẽ̞nto̞]
The Japanese word for "event" is イベント (ibento).
イベント is used to describe a prearranged social activity. In the context of mobile gaming, it is frequently used to refer to limited-time in-game activities or quests.
Meaning: prearranged social activity (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
イベント is a loanword from the English word "event", written using the Katakana script.
Which one should you use?
While イベント is a general term, you might encounter other words depending on the context. 行事 refers more formally to traditional or official events such as ceremonies, festivals or national holidays. In the context of mobile gaming or among younger generations, the abbreviated イベ is common. Additionally, adding っぽい to the end of the word creates イベントっぽい, which means "event-like".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Okinawa, the specific term エイサー is used to refer to a traditional local dance event.
How do you pronounce it?
ibento
Did you know?
- In the context of idol culture, an イベント often involves a 'cheki' session, where fans pay for a polaroid photo with the performer.
- In Japanese pop culture, イベント can refer to a specific plot point or a 'flag' in a story that triggers a predetermined scene, regardless of the actual social gathering.
- If you describe an experience as イベントっぽい, you are not just saying it was 'event-like', but you might be implying it felt staged or artificial.
Examples in context
- イベントを延期しました。We postponed the event.This sentence shows how to use イベント when talking about postponing an activity.Tatoeba #228564 by KK_kaku_, translation #65922 by CK
- 雨でもイベントは決行します。The event will be held even if it rains.This sentence demonstrates using イベント to indicate an event will proceed despite rain.Tatoeba #10984934 by small_snow, translation #11770338 by pip
- ソシャゲのイベントで休日をつぶした。I wasted my day off on a social gaming event.This sentence shows the use of イベント in the context of a social gaming event.Tatoeba #11005063 by KK_kaku_, translation #11383500 by pip
- 今週末、大都市で大規模なイベントが開催されます。There will be a large-scale event held in the major city this weekend.
- 友達と一緒にイベントに参加するのは楽しみだね。It's exciting to participate in events with friends, isn't it?
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their weekend plans over the phone.
- 陽太 Yota今週末、何かイベントはある？Konshuumatsu, nani ka ibento wa aru?Is there any event happening this weekend?
- 美咲 Misaki駅前で大きなイベントがあるみたいだよ。Ekimae de ookina ibento ga aru mitai da yo.It looks like there's a big event in front of the station.
- 陽太 Yota面白そうなイベントだね。Omoshirosou na ibento da ne.That sounds like an interesting event.
- 美咲 Misaki一緒に行かない？Issho ni ikanai?Want to go together?
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry イベント, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
