招待

• Reading: しょうたい
• Romaji: shoutai
• Kanji breakdown: 招 (shou/mane) — beckon, invite; 待 (tai/ma) — wait, await
• Pronunciation: /ɕoː.ta.i/

Meaning

Invitation; to invite. The formal act of asking someone to attend an event or gathering.

Functions as a noun and する verb. 招待する means 'to invite.' More formal than 誘う (sasou, to invite casually). Used for parties, weddings, events, and official functions. The noun form appears in 招待状 (shoutaijou, invitation letter/card).

Examples

1. 友達の結婚式に招待されました。 I was invited to my friend's wedding.
2. パーティーに皆さんを招待したいです。 I'd like to invite everyone to the party.
3. 招待のメールが届きましたか。 Did you get the invitation email?

Usage Guide

Context: events, weddings, formal gatherings

Tone: polite

Origin & History

Compound of 招 (shou, beckon/invite) and 待 (tai, wait/await). Literally 'beckoning and awaiting,' capturing the host inviting and then awaiting the guest's arrival.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal