接待

• Reading: せったい
• Romaji: settai
• Kanji breakdown: 接 (setsu) — connect, receive, touch; 待 (tai) — wait, treat, serve
• Pronunciation: /set.taː/

Meaning

Corporate entertainment; treating clients or business partners to food, drinks, or outings.

A noun and suru verb central to Japanese business culture. 接待 involves taking clients, partners, or superiors out for meals, drinks, golf, or other activities to build and maintain business relationships. While the practice has decreased somewhat in modern times, it remains an important part of Japanese corporate culture. 接待ゴルフ (business entertainment golf) is a well-known expression.

Examples

1. 今夜は取引先の接待で高級レストランに行く。 Tonight I'm going to a high-end restaurant to entertain a client.
2. 接待費の予算が昨年より削減された。 The entertainment budget was cut compared to last year.
3. 新人の頃は接待のマナーを覚えるのに苦労した。 When I was a new employee, I struggled to learn the etiquette for client entertainment.

Usage Guide

Context: business, corporate culture, dining

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 接 (setsu, connect/receive) + 待 (tai, wait/treat). Literally 'receiving and treating' — the act of receiving guests and treating them hospitably.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Professional