歓迎

• Reading: かんげい
• Romaji: kangei
• Kanji breakdown: 歓 (kan) — joy, delight; 迎 (gei) — greet, welcome
• Pronunciation: /kaɴ.ɡeː/

Meaning

Welcome; reception. Receiving someone with pleasure and hospitality.

A noun that also functions as a suru verb (歓迎する). Used for welcoming guests, new members, or visitors. Very common in expressions like 歓迎会 (welcome party), 歓迎する (to welcome), and signs reading ご来店歓迎 (customers welcome). Carries a warm, positive tone of actively receiving someone with open arms.

Examples

1. 新入社員の歓迎会を開いた。 We held a welcome party for the new employees.
2. 留学生を温かく歓迎した。 We gave the exchange students a warm welcome.
3. どなたでも歓迎しますのでぜひ来てください。 Everyone is welcome, so please come by.

Usage Guide

Context: work, school, hospitality

Tone: positive

Origin & History

Compound of 歓 (kan, joy/delight) and 迎 (gei, to greet/welcome). Together, 'joyful greeting' — the act of receiving someone with happiness and open arms.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal