披露宴

• Reading: ひろうえん
• Romaji: hirouen
• Kanji breakdown: 披 (hi) — open, unfold; 露 (rou) — reveal, expose; 宴 (en) — banquet, feast
• Pronunciation: /çi.ɾoː.eɴ/

Meaning

Reception; banquet; celebration party. A formal gathering to publicly announce and celebrate an event, especially a wedding.

A noun most commonly referring to a wedding reception (結婚披露宴, kekkon hirouen). The word literally means 'a banquet for public display/announcement.' Distinguished from the ceremony itself (挙式, kyoshiki) — the 披露宴 is the celebratory party that follows. In Japanese weddings, the 披露宴 typically includes speeches, toasts, meal courses, and entertainment. Can also refer to non-wedding celebrations, though this usage is less common.

Examples

1. 披露宴には百人以上の招待客が出席した。 Over a hundred guests attended the reception.
2. 友人のスピーチで披露宴が盛り上がった。 A friend's speech really got the reception going.
3. 最近はレストランで小さな披露宴を開くカップルも多い。 These days, many couples hold small receptions at restaurants.

Usage Guide

Context: weddings, celebrations, social events

Tone: celebratory

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 披露 (hirou, public announcement/unveiling) + 宴 (en, banquet/feast). Literally 'a banquet of public announcement' — a feast to introduce something to the world.

Cultural Context

Era: Historical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal