プラスワン
purasuwon
The phrase "plus one" in Japanese is プラスワン (purasuwon).
This phrase refers to an additional person invited to a social event as a guest of the primary invitee.
What does it mean word for word?
The term is a loanword from English, consisting of the katakana for "plus" (プラス) and the English word "one" (ワン).
How do you pronounce it?
purasuwon
Did you know?
- While プラスワン is used for social events, Japanese people often use the term プラスアルファ ('plus alpha') to describe an extra, unexpected bonus or a little bit more of something.
- In Japanese business culture, the idea of a 'plus one' is rare for work functions, as bringing a non-work guest is often seen as a breach of professional boundaries.
- While プラスワン is used in modern social contexts, it is most commonly encountered in the world of marketing and retail to describe a 'buy one, get one' promotional deal.
Example conversation
Yui and Yota are talking about a wedding invitation.
- 結衣 Yui陽太、結婚式の招待状が届いたよ。Yōta, kekkonshiki no shōtaijō ga todoita yo.Yota, the wedding invitation arrived.
- 陽太 Yotaいいな。プラスワンを連れていけるのかな？ii na. purasu wan o tsurete ikeru no kana?Nice. I wonder if we can bring a plus one?
- 結衣 Yui書いてないから、確認してみるね。kaite nai kara, kakunin shite miru ne.It's not written here, so I'll check.
- 陽太 Yotaお願い。友達を誘いたいんだ。onegai. tomodachi o sasoi tai nda.Please. I want to invite a friend.
