招待状
shōtaijō
The English phrase "invitation letter" is translated into Japanese as 招待状 (shōtaijō).
招待状 is used to refer to both formal written invitations and more general notices of invitation.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of 招待 (shōtai), which means "invitation" and 状 (jō), meaning "document" or "letter".
How do you pronounce it?
shōtaijō
When do people say it?
One way to begin a letter with a respectful greeting is to use Haikei.
Did you know?
- In highly formal Japanese invitations, the writer may use 候文 (kōbun), an archaic epistolary style that uses grammar and vocabulary from the samurai era.
- In a formal 招待状, it is customary to include a seasonal greeting that references the specific weather or time of year to show respect to the recipient.
- The character 状 in 招待状 is also used in 現状 (genjō), meaning 'current state', because it originally referred to a written report of a situation.
Examples in context
- 招待状が届きました。shoutaijou ga todokimashita.An invitation letter arrived.
- 招待状を丁寧に書きました。shoutaijou o teinei ni kakimashita.I wrote the invitation letter carefully.
- 結婚式の招待状はいつ届きますか？kekkonshiki no shoutaijou wa itsu todokimasu ka?When will the wedding invitation letter arrive?
Example conversation
Kenta and Yui are talking about a friend's wedding.
- 健太 Kenta結婚式の招待状はもう届いた？kekkonshiki no shoutaijou wa mou todoita?Has the wedding invitation letter arrived yet?
- 結衣 Yuiはい、さっき届きましたよ。hai, sakki todokimashita yo.Yes, it arrived a little while ago.
- 健太 Kenta結衣さんは中身を見た？Yui-san wa nakami o mita?Yui, did you see the contents?
- 結衣 Yuiまだです。後で確認しますね。mada desu. ato de kakunin shimasu ne.Not yet. I will check it later.
