Welcome! If you’re interested in learning how to say “welcome” in Japanese, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll explore both the formal and informal ways to express this warm sentiment. We’ll provide you with useful tips, examples, and even touch upon regional variations if necessary. So, let’s embark on this linguistic journey together and discover the various ways to say “welcome” in Japanese!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions for “Welcome”
When addressing someone formally, such as in professional settings or official occasions, you can use the following Japanese expressions to convey “welcome”:
1. ようこそ (Yōkoso)
The term “ようこそ” (Yōkoso) is a versatile and widely-used way to say “welcome” in Japanese, suitable for most situations. It has a friendly and warm connotation, making it ideal for greeting guests, customers, or visitors.
Example:
ようこそ、私たちのイベントへ！ (Yōkoso, watashitachi no ibento e!) – Welcome to our event!
2. 心から歓迎します (Kokoro kara kangei shimasu)
A more formal expression for “welcome” is “心から歓迎します” (Kokoro kara kangei shimasu), which translates to “I sincerely welcome you.” This phrase is often used in speeches, formal letters, or official ceremonies.
心から歓迎します。ご参加いただきありがとうございます。
(Kokoro kara kangei shimasu. Go-sankai itadaki arigatō gozaimasu.)
I sincerely welcome you. Thank you for your participation.
Informal Expressions for “Welcome”
In less formal settings, among friends, or when addressing younger individuals, you can use these more casual expressions to say “welcome” in Japanese:
1. いらっしゃい (Irasshai)
“いらっしゃい” (Irasshai) is commonly used to say “welcome” in a friendly and welcoming manner. It’s often heard in shops, restaurants, or when inviting guests into someone’s home.
Example:
いらっしゃい！どうぞおくつろぎください！ (Irasshai! Dōzo oku-noborokogi kudasai!) – Welcome! Please make yourself at home!
2. よく来て (Yoku kite)
A more casual and youthful expression for “welcome” is “よく来て” (Yoku kite), which literally means “thank you for coming.” It’s often used when welcoming friends or peers to gatherings, parties, or informal events.
Example:
よく来て！パーティーが盛り上がるよ！ (Yoku kite! Pātī ga moriagaru yo!) – Welcome! The party’s going to be exciting!
Regional Variations
In Japan, different regions may have their own unique expressions to welcome others. Although the previously mentioned phrases are widely understood and accepted throughout the country, it’s interesting to note some regional variations:
1. おいでませ (Oidemase) – Osaka/Kansai region
In the vibrant Kansai region, particularly around Osaka, people often use “おいでませ” (Oidemase) to say “welcome.” This expression reflects the friendly atmosphere that characterizes this area.
Example:
おいでませ！大阪へようこそ！ (Oidemase! Ōsaka e yōkoso!) – Welcome! Welcome to Osaka!
2. お越しください (Okozukudasai) – Hokkaido region
In the northernmost island of Hokkaido, the phrase “お越しください” (Okozukudasai) is commonly used to mean “please come,” which can also be understood as “welcome” when used in the appropriate context.
Example:
お越しください！札幌の美しい自然をお楽しみください！ (Okozukudasai! Sapporo no utsukushii shizen o o-tanoshimi kudasai!) – Welcome! Enjoy the beautiful nature of Sapporo!
These are just a couple of examples, and there may be further regional variations depending on the area you visit in Japan. However, the expressions mentioned earlier will always work universally and be understood across the country.
Now that you have an understanding of how to say “welcome” in Japanese formally, informally, and even with regional variations, you’ll be able to warmly greet others with the appropriate expressions. Remember to embrace the friendly and polite nature of the Japanese language when extending a warm welcome to others!
Thank you for reading this guide, and we hope you feel more confident in using the proper words to express “welcome” in Japanese!
