プロム
puromu
The English word 'prom' is translated into Japanese as プロム (puromu). Wiktionary also lists プロムナード (puromunādo) and 舞踏会 (butōkai).
Meaning: a formal ball (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| プロム | puromu | |
| プロムナード | puromunādo | |
| 舞踏会 | butōkai | [bɯ̟to̞ːka̠i] (narrow) |
The word プロム is used to refer to the Western-style high school prom. Because the concept of a high school prom is not a traditional part of Japanese school culture, using this loanword often implies a Western or American context.
Which one should you use?
The loanword プロム is used specifically to refer to the Western-style high school prom. In contrast, 舞踏会 refers to a formal ball or dance in a more general or classical sense. Additionally, do not confuse 'prom' with プロムナード, which is a false friend meaning a 'promenade' (a walkway or stroll).
How do you pronounce it?
puromu
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use プロムナード to mean a dance. This word refers to a promenade or a walkway.
Did you know?
- Japanese schools have 'Culture Festivals' 文化祭 where students dress up, which serves as the closest local equivalent to the social excitement of a プロム.
- The word 舞踏会 is composed of the characters for 'dance' and 'meeting', but if you encounter the word 舞踏 (butō) alone in a modern context, it often refers to highly stylized or avant-garde performance art rather than a social ball.
- Because プロム is written in katakana, it signals to the reader that the setting is foreign, often without needing to explicitly mention the country.
Examples in context
- お前、マジでメアリーをプロムに誘う気なのか？Are you really going to ask Mary to the prom?This sentence shows how to use プロム when asking someone to a dance.Tatoeba #8816058 by bunbuku, translation #3821343 by CK
- 全生徒がプロムの夜礼儀正しく振る舞っているのを見て驚いた。It was a surprise to see all the students behaving with decorum on prom night.This sentence uses プロム in the context of students behaving well on prom night.Tatoeba #5245 by mookeee, translation #2018 by AlanF_US
- 今年のプロムには誰を誘うの？Kotoshi no puromu ni wa dare o sasou no?Who are you going to invite to this year's prom?
Example conversation
Two students are talking about their school event.
- 陽葵 Himari陽太、プロムの衣装はもう買った？Yōta, puromu no ishō wa mō katta?Yota, did you already buy your outfit for the prom?
- 陽太 Yotaまだだよ。いいスーツを探しているんだ。Mada da yo. Ii sūtsu o sagashite iru nda.Not yet. I'm looking for a nice suit.
- 陽葵 Himari一緒に買いに行こうか。Issho ni kai ni ikō ka.Shall we go shopping together?
- 陽太 Yotaいいよ、ぜひお願い！Ii yo, zehi onegai!Sure, please do!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “prom” translations and entries 舞踏会, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 舞踏会, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
