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B1 noun #6,000 most common 9 min read

食事会

shokujikai Top 6,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 食事会 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 食事会 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should think of '食事会' (shokujikai) as a 'party for eating.' You already know the word 'shoku' from 'shokuji' (meal) or 'tabemasu' (to eat). The 'kai' part means 'meeting.' So, it is a 'meal meeting.' You can use this word when you want to talk about a dinner party with your friends or family. It is a noun, so you use it like this: 'Shokujikai ni ikimasu' (I go to a dinner party). Even at a basic level, using this word shows you understand that some meals are special events. You might see it on a calendar or in a simple textbook story about a birthday. Don't worry about the kanji too much yet; just remember the sound 'shokujikai' and that it means a planned meal with other people. It's more formal than just saying 'gohan' (food), but very useful for describing social plans.

At the A2 level, you can start using '食事会' (shokujikai) to make plans and describe your weekend. You should know that it's a compound noun: 食事 (shokuji - meal) + 会 (kai - party/meeting). You can use it with verbs like 'suru' (to do/have) or 'iku' (to go). For example, 'Kin'yōbi ni shokujikai wo shimasu' (We will have a dinner party on Friday). At this level, you should also be able to use simple adjectives with it, like 'tanoshii shokujikai' (a fun dinner party) or 'oishii shokujikai' (a delicious dinner party). It is a great word for invitations. Instead of just saying 'Let's eat,' you can say 'Shokujikai ni kimasen ka?' (Won't you come to a dinner party?). This sounds more organized and polite. You will often hear this word in basic Japanese conversations about office life or social gatherings.

At the B1 level, you should understand the social nuance of '食事会' (shokujikai) compared to other gathering words. A 'shokujikai' is more formal and structured than a casual 'nomikai' (drinking party). It is the perfect word to use in a business context when you want to sound professional but not overly stiff. You should be comfortable using it with particles like 'de' (at/location) and 'ni' (to/direction). For example, 'Resutoran de shokujikai wo hiraku' (To hold a dinner party at a restaurant). You should also recognize it in the context of 'kangeikai' (welcome party) or 'sōbetsukai' (farewell party), where it often describes the meal portion of the event. At this level, you are expected to know that 'shokujikai' implies a pre-planned event with a specific purpose, such as celebrating a success or introducing a new team member. It is a key vocabulary item for navigating Japanese social etiquette.

At the B2 level, you should be able to use '食事会' (shokujikai) in complex sentences and understand its role in professional networking. You might use it with the passive voice, such as 'Shokujikai ni sasowareta' (I was invited to a dinner party), or with honorifics when speaking to a boss. You should understand that 'shokujikai' is often used as a more inclusive alternative to 'nomikai' in modern Japanese workplaces to accommodate people who do not drink. You can also use it to describe the atmosphere of an event, such as 'Nagoyaka na shokujikai' (A harmonious dinner party). At this stage, you should be able to distinguish it from 'kaishoku' (a very formal business meal) and 'enkai' (a large banquet). You might also use it in writing, such as an RSVP email or a report about a company event, ensuring you use the correct formal verbs like 'moyōsu' (to hold/host) or 'kaisai suru' (to hold).

At the C1 level, you should have a deep understanding of the cultural implications of the '食事会' (shokujikai). You understand that it is a tool for 'nemawashi' (laying the groundwork) or 'communication' in a Japanese context. You can use the word to discuss social trends, such as the shift from late-night drinking parties to more sophisticated 'shokujikai' focused on culinary experiences. You should be able to use it in nuanced discussions about social obligations and the 'omotenashi' (hospitality) involved in hosting such an event. Your vocabulary should include related terms like 'shokuji-dai' (meal expenses) or 'settai-shokujikai' (business entertainment dinner). You can analyze the difference in register between using 'shokujikai' in a casual blog post versus a formal business announcement. At this level, you are not just using the word; you are using it to navigate the complexities of Japanese social hierarchy and professional relationships with precision.

At the C2 level, '食事会' (shokujikai) is a word you use with total native-like fluency, understanding every subtle connotation. You can use it in high-level literary or journalistic writing to describe the setting of a crucial meeting or a social gathering that defines a character's status. You understand the historical evolution of social dining in Japan and how 'shokujikai' fits into the broader category of 'kyōshoku' (communal eating). You can debate the sociopolitical role of 'shokujikai' in government circles or high-level corporate mergers. Your usage reflects an awareness of the 'ma' (timing) and 'kūki' (atmosphere) that 'shokujikai' aims to create. You can use it in complex metaphorical senses or within idiomatic expressions that you might encounter in advanced literature. For a C2 learner, 'shokujikai' is more than just a dinner party; it is a fundamental unit of Japanese social architecture, and you can manipulate its use to achieve specific rhetorical effects in both speech and writing.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

食事会 in 30 Seconds

A 'shokujikai' is an organized social gathering centered on a meal, ranging from casual lunch with friends to semi-formal business dinners.
It is composed of the kanji for 'food' (食), 'matter' (事), and 'meeting' (会), literally meaning a 'meal meeting'.
Commonly used with verbs like 'hiraku' (to hold) or 'sanka suru' (to participate), it implies a pre-planned event.
It is a 'safe' and polite word, often preferred over 'nomikai' (drinking party) when the focus is on food and conversation.

The Japanese word 食事会 (shokujikai) is a compound noun that translates literally to "meal meeting" or "eating gathering." In a cultural context, it refers to a planned social event where the primary purpose is to share a meal together. While it can be translated as "dinner party," it covers a broader range of formality and timing than the English term might suggest. It is an essential term for anyone living or working in Japan because social cohesion is often built over food. Unlike a casual 'let's grab a bite,' a shokujikai implies a degree of organization—there is usually an invitation, a set time, and a specific group of people involved. It sits perfectly in the middle of the formality spectrum, being more organized than a casual hang-out but often less rigid than a formal 'banquet' (晩餐会 - bansankai).

Etymology: The word is composed of three kanji: 食 (shoku - to eat/food), 事 (ji - matter/thing), and 会 (kai - meeting/gathering). Together, they signify a formal or semi-formal occasion centered around the act of eating.

来週の金曜日に、新入社員の歓迎の食事会を開くことになりました。

Translation: It has been decided that we will hold a welcome dinner party for the new employees next Friday.

In a professional setting, a 食事会 is often used to build rapport between colleagues or with clients. It is less about the alcohol than a nomikai (drinking party) and more about the conversation and the quality of the food. It is frequently used for celebrations, such as birthdays, promotions, or welcoming a new member to a team. In personal lives, families might have a 食事会 to celebrate an anniversary or a graduation. The beauty of the word lies in its versatility; it can describe a lunch gathering at a nice restaurant or an evening dinner at someone's home. However, in modern Japan, it most commonly refers to a group reservation at a restaurant.

Social Nuance: Using this word instead of 'gohan' (meal) adds a layer of importance to the event. It suggests that the gathering itself is the goal, not just the sustenance.

親睦を深めるための食事会を計画しています。

Translation: We are planning a dinner party to deepen our mutual friendship.

Furthermore, the term is often prefixed with the purpose of the gathering to create specific compound nouns. For example, a 懇親食事会 (konshin shokujikai) is a social mixer over a meal. Because the term is inherently polite, it is safe to use in emails to superiors or in formal invitations. It avoids the potentially rowdy connotations of 'nomikai' while still promising a warm, social atmosphere. In contemporary social media, you might see people using it to describe 'foodie' meetups where the focus is on trying a specific chef's menu or a new trendy restaurant together.

婚約の報告を兼ねた家族の食事会。

Translation: A family dinner party that also served as an engagement announcement.

Using 食事会 correctly involves understanding the verbs it typically pairs with and the particles that define its role in a sentence. Because it is a noun representing an event, it is most frequently used with the verbs hiraku (to hold/open), okonau (to conduct), sanka suru (to participate), and keikaku suru (to plan). Understanding these combinations will make your Japanese sound more natural and professional.

Common Verb Pairings: - 食事会を開く (To hold a dinner party)
- 食事会に参加する (To participate in a dinner party)
- 食事会を企画する (To organize/plan a dinner party)

今度の土曜日に、友人たちと自宅で食事会を開きます。

Translation: I am holding a dinner party with friends at my home this Saturday.

When describing the location of the event, use the particle で (de). For example, 'Resutoran de shokujikai' (A dinner party at a restaurant). When you are invited to one, you use the particle に (ni) with the verb sasou (to invite). For example, 'Shokujikai ni sasowareta' (I was invited to a dinner party). This distinction is vital for grammatical accuracy at the B1 level and beyond.

昨夜の食事会はとても和やかな雰囲気でした。

Translation: Last night's dinner party had a very peaceful/harmonious atmosphere.

In business contexts, you might see it used in the passive voice or with honorifics. For instance, 'Shokujikai ga moyoosareta' (A dinner party was held). If you are referring to a dinner party hosted by a superior, you might add 'go-' to the front to make it 'go-shokujikai,' although this is less common than simply using the word in a polite sentence frame. The word is also useful for describing the nature of the meal. You can specify it as a 'ranchi shokujikai' (lunch party) or 'disan shokujikai' (dinner party), though 'shokujikai' on its own usually implies the evening unless specified otherwise.

Descriptive Adjectives: - 豪華な食事会 (A luxurious dinner party)
- 小規模な食事会 (A small-scale dinner party)
- 定例の食事会 (A regular/scheduled dinner party)

部長に食事会に誘われましたが、先約がありました。

Translation: I was invited to a dinner party by the department manager, but I had a prior engagement.

In Japan, 食事会 is a word you will encounter across various domains, from corporate offices to neighborhood community centers. It is the 'safe' word for social gatherings involving food. In the workplace, when an HR department sends out an email about a team-building event, they will almost certainly use shokujikai. It sounds professional and inclusive, ensuring that employees who may not drink alcohol still feel welcome to join. You will hear it in the office kitchen, in formal announcements, and during meetings when planning upcoming events.

Workplace Context: Used for: Welcome parties, farewell parties, project completion celebrations, and business networking events where a meal is served.

今回のプロジェクトの打ち上げとして、来週食事会をしましょう。

Translation: Let's have a dinner party next week as a wrap-up for this project.

In the world of anime and drama, 食事会 often serves as a plot device for character development or tension. You might see a scene where a protagonist is nervous about a 'family dinner party' meeting their partner's parents for the first time. In these scenarios, the word highlights the structured and somewhat formal nature of the meeting. It’s not just 'dinner'; it’s an 'event' where impressions are made. In news broadcasts, you might hear about political shokujikai where leaders meet to discuss policy in a more relaxed environment than a formal summit.

ドラマの中で、豪華なホテルでの食事会のシーンがあった。

Translation: There was a scene of a dinner party at a luxurious hotel in the drama.

In daily life, you will see the word on flyers for community centers or in invitations from hobby groups. For example, a flower arrangement class might host a shokujikai at the end of the term. On social media platforms like Instagram or Twitter (X), Japanese users often post photos of beautifully arranged tables or gourmet dishes with the hashtag #食事会. This usage emphasizes the aesthetic and social value of the meal. It is a word that bridges the gap between the mundane act of eating and the special act of gathering.

Social Media & Modern Life: Modern users use it to tag photos of high-end dining experiences or organized group meals to show social activity and lifestyle.

今日はママ友たちとランチの食事会です。

Translation: Today is a lunch party with my 'mom friends'.

While 食事会 is a straightforward word, English speakers often make mistakes regarding its nuance, formality, and grammatical usage. The most common error is using it to describe a very casual, spontaneous meal. If you and a friend decide to grab ramen after work, calling it a shokujikai would sound unnaturally formal or even sarcastic. For spontaneous outings, 'gohan' (meal) or 'nomi' (drinking) are much more appropriate.

Mistake 1: Over-Formality: Using 'shokujikai' for a casual 'hangout' with one close friend. It implies a larger group or a more planned event.

Incorrect: ちょっとラーメン屋で食事会しよう。
Correct: ちょっとラーメン食べに行こう。

Another frequent mistake is confusing 食事会 with 飲み会 (nomikai). While both involve food and gathering, a nomikai centers on drinking alcohol (often 'all-you-can-drink' style) and is usually loud and boisterous. A shokujikai centers on the food and the conversation. If you invite someone who doesn't drink to a nomikai, they might feel pressured; if you invite them to a shokujikai, they will likely feel more comfortable. Choosing the wrong word can set the wrong expectation for the evening's atmosphere.

Grammatically, learners often forget that 食事会 is a noun and try to use it like a verb. You cannot say 'shokujikaisuru.' You must say 'shokujikai wo suru' or 'shokujikai ni iku.' Additionally, pay attention to the particles. Using 'shokujikai wo sanka suru' is incorrect; the correct particle for 'participate' is に (ni).

Mistake 2: Particle Errors: Wrong: 食事会を参加する (Shokujikai wo sanka suru)
Right: 食事会に参加する (Shokujikai ni sanka suru)

来週の食事会にぜひ参加してください。

Translation: Please definitely participate in next week's dinner party.

Japanese has several words for 'gathering for a meal,' each with its own level of formality and specific context. Understanding the differences between 食事会 and its synonyms will help you choose the right word for the right situation. The most common alternatives are kaishoku, enkai, and pātī.

食事会 (Shokujikai) vs. 会食 (Kaishoku): 食事会: General social gathering. Friendly but organized. Suitable for friends, family, or colleagues.
会食: Much more formal and often used in business or politics. It implies a 'dining together' for a specific, often serious, purpose.

Another word often encountered is 宴会 (enkai). This refers to a large banquet, usually with many people, lots of food, and plenty of alcohol. It is the kind of event held in a large tatami room at a traditional inn (ryokan) or a specialized banquet hall. While a shokujikai can be small and intimate, an enkai is almost always large-scale and loud. If you are describing a wedding reception or a massive company-wide end-of-year party, enkai is the better term.

取引先との会食は、緊張感がありました。

Translation: The formal dinner (kaishoku) with the client was tense.

For very casual situations, many Japanese people simply use the loanword パーティー (pātī). However, pātī often implies a more Western-style event—standing up, mingling, finger foods, or a house party. Shokujikai almost always implies sitting down at a table and eating a full meal. If you are inviting people over for pizza and games, call it a pātī. If you are cooking a three-course meal, shokujikai is more fitting.

Comparison Table

Word	Formality	Scale	Main Focus
食事会	Medium	Small-Med	Food & Socializing
会食	High	Small	Business/Formal Ties
宴会	Medium-High	Large	Alcohol & Celebration
パーティー	Low-Medium	Any	Fun & Mingling

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

While 'shokuji' sounds very traditional, the specific combination 'shokujikai' gained massive popularity in the post-war corporate culture of Japan as a way to formalize social bonding without the heavy religious or ritualistic overtones of older terms.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ʃoʊ.ku.dʒi.kaɪ/

US /ʃoʊ.ku.dʒi.kaɪ/

Japanese does not use stress accent like English; it uses pitch accent. In 'shokujikai', the pitch usually starts low on 'sho' and rises on 'ku'.

Rhymes With

Sekai (World) Taikai (Convention) Kikai (Opportunity) Shikai (View) Gakai (Collapse) Hakari (Scale - near rhyme) Chikai (Near) Nikaiten (Two rotations - partial rhyme)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'shoku' as 'shook' (like 'book'). It should be a short 'o' and 'u'.
Stressing the 'kai' too much. Keep it even.
Merging 'ji' and 'kai'. Ensure the 'i' in 'ji' is clearly articulated.
Pronouncing 'kai' like 'kay'. It should rhyme with 'eye'.
Missing the 'u' sound in 'shoku' entirely.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The kanji are common but require knowledge of the 'shoku' and 'kai' readings.

Writing 4/5

Writing '事' and '会' correctly requires practice with stroke order.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward with no difficult clusters.

Listening 2/5

Easily recognizable in conversation due to its distinct rhythm.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

食事 (Shokuji) 食べる (Taberu) 会 (Kai) 友達 (Tomodachi) レストラン (Restaurant)

Learn Next

会食 (Kaishoku) 宴会 (Enkai) 幹事 (Kanji) 親睦 (Shinboku) 接待 (Settai)

Advanced

晩餐会 (Bansankai) 立食パーティー (Risshoku pātī) 一見さんお断り (Ichigensan okodwari) 御持たせ (Omotase)

Grammar to Know

Nouns as Events

食事会があります (There is a dinner party).

Particle 'DE' for Location

ホテルで食事会をする (Have a dinner party at a hotel).

Particle 'NI' for Participation

食事会に参加する (Participate in a dinner party).

Honorific Prefix 'GO-'

ご食事会 (Polite form, used when referring to a superior's event).

Compound Noun Formation

歓迎 + 食事会 = 歓迎食事会.

Examples by Level

あした、食事会があります。

Tomorrow, there is a dinner party.

Uses the basic 'arimasu' to indicate existence.

食事会はたのしいです。

The dinner party is fun.

Basic 'A wa B desu' structure.

ともだちと食事会に行きます。

I am going to a dinner party with my friend.

Uses the particle 'to' for 'with' and 'ni' for direction.

これは食事会のしゃしんです。

This is a photo of the dinner party.

Uses the possessive particle 'no'.

食事会でなにを食べますか？

What will you eat at the dinner party?

Uses 'de' to indicate the location of an action.

きのう、食事会をしました。

Yesterday, we had a dinner party.

Past tense of 'shimasu'.

食事会にだれが来ますか？

Who is coming to the dinner party?

Uses 'dare' (who) with the subject particle 'ga'.

きれいなレストランで食事会をします。

We will have a dinner party at a beautiful restaurant.

Adjective 'kirei-na' modifying 'resutoran'.

母の誕生日に家族で食事会を開きました。

We held a dinner party with the family for my mother's birthday.

Uses 'hiraku' (to hold/open) in the past tense.

今度の食事会にあなたも来ませんか？

Won't you come to the next dinner party too?

Negative question 'kimasen ka' used as an invitation.

食事会の時間は夜の七時からです。

The dinner party time is from 7 PM.

Uses 'kara' to indicate a starting time.

美味しい料理がたくさんある食事会でした。

It was a dinner party with lots of delicious food.

Relative clause 'oishii ryōri ga takusan aru' modifying 'shokujikai'.

食事会の場所をメールで送ってください。

Please send the location of the dinner party by email.

Uses the 'te-form' for a polite request.

仕事のあとに食事会があります。

There is a dinner party after work.

Uses 'no ato ni' to mean 'after'.

食事会に参加するのは初めてです。

It is my first time participating in a dinner party.

Uses the nominalizing particle 'no'.

週末に友達の家で食事会をする予定です。

I plan to have a dinner party at a friend's house this weekend.

Uses 'yotei desu' to express a plan.

来週、新しく入った社員のための食事会を企画しています。

Next week, we are planning a dinner party for the new employee.

Uses 'tame no' for 'for the purpose of'.

食事会に誘われましたが、残念ながら行けません。

I was invited to a dinner party, but unfortunately, I can't go.

Uses the passive 'sasowareta' and the potential negative 'ikemasen'.

この食事会は、親睦を深めるために開かれます。

This dinner party is held to deepen our friendship.

Uses the passive 'hirakaremasu' to indicate the event is being held.

食事会の費用は一人三千円だそうです。

I heard that the cost for the dinner party is 3,000 yen per person.

Uses 'sō desu' to indicate reported speech.

昨日の食事会で、面白い話をたくさん聞きました。

At yesterday's dinner party, I heard many interesting stories.

Uses 'de' to mark the context/location of the action.

食事会のメニューは、ベジタリアンの人も食べられるようになっています。

The dinner party menu is designed so that vegetarians can also eat.

Uses 'yō ni natte iru' to describe a state or arrangement.

急な仕事が入ったので、食事会を欠席することにしました。

Since some urgent work came up, I decided to be absent from the dinner party.

Uses 'koto ni shimasu' to indicate a decision.

食事会の幹事を任されて、少し緊張しています。

I've been put in charge of organizing the dinner party, so I'm a bit nervous.

Uses the passive 'makasarete' and 'te-form' for cause.

先日の食事会では、有意義な意見交換ができました。

In the recent dinner party, we were able to have a meaningful exchange of opinions.

Uses the potential form 'dekita' and the formal 'yuigina'.

部長が主催する食事会には、全員出席が原則です。

Attendance by everyone is the rule for the dinner party hosted by the manager.

Uses 'gensoku' to indicate a principle or rule.

食事会の段取りを完璧に整えておく必要があります。

It is necessary to perfectly arrange the preparations for the dinner party.

Uses 'te oku' for preparatory actions and 'hitsuyō ga aru'.

今回の食事会は、プロジェクトの成功を祝うためのものです。

This dinner party is for the purpose of celebrating the success of the project.

Uses 'no tame no mono' to define the purpose of an object/event.

食事会の最中に、サプライズでプレゼントを渡しました。

In the middle of the dinner party, I gave a surprise gift.

Uses 'saichū ni' to mean 'in the middle of'.

和やかな雰囲気の食事会だったので、話しやすかったです。

Since it was a dinner party with a peaceful atmosphere, it was easy to talk.

Uses the 'i-adjective' potential helper '-yasui'.

食事会の会場が分かりにくいので、地図を添付します。

Since the venue for the dinner party is hard to find, I will attach a map.

Uses '-nikui' for difficulty and 'tenpu' for attaching.

会費制の食事会なので、当日はお釣りがないように準備してください。

Since it's a dinner party with a fixed fee, please prepare so you don't need change on the day.

Uses 'kaihisei' (membership fee system) and 'yō ni' for purpose.

定期的な食事会を通じて、チーム内の風通しを良くしています。

Through regular dinner parties, we are improving the transparency/communication within the team.

Uses 'tsūjite' (through) and the metaphorical 'kazetōshi' (ventilation/transparency).

食事会という名目ではあるが、実際には重要な商談が行われる。

Although it is under the guise of a dinner party, in reality, important business negotiations take place.

Uses 'meimoku' (pretext/guise) and 'shisai ni wa' (in reality).

招待された食事会で、マナーに欠ける振る舞いをしてしまった。

At the dinner party I was invited to, I behaved in a way that lacked proper manners.

Uses 'ni kakeru' (to lack) and 'te shimatta' for regret.

食事会の席順は、人間関係を考慮して慎重に決めるべきだ。

The seating arrangement for the dinner party should be carefully decided, taking human relationships into consideration.

Uses 'kōryo shite' (considering) and 'beki da' (should).

形式的な食事会よりも、本音で語り合える場を求めている。

Rather than a formal dinner party, I am looking for a place where we can talk with our true feelings.

Uses 'keishikiteki' (formal) and 'honne' (true feelings).

食事会の開催にあたっては、アレルギーへの配慮が不可欠です。

In holding a dinner party, consideration for allergies is indispensable.

Uses 'ni atatte wa' (upon/in the event of) and 'fukaketsu' (indispensable).

その食事会は、業界の重鎮たちが集まる非常に格調高いものだった。

That dinner party was a very prestigious one where industry heavyweights gathered.

Uses 'jūchin' (heavyweight/authority) and 'kakuchō takai' (prestigious/high-toned).

食事会を中座せざるを得ない状況になり、非常に心苦しい。

I have ended up in a situation where I have no choice but to leave the dinner party midway, and it is very painful for me.

Uses 'chūza' (leaving midway) and 'sezaru wo enai' (have no choice but to).

食事会という極めて日本的な社交形態が、組織の結束を支えている。

The extremely Japanese social form known as the 'shokujikai' supports the unity of the organization.

Uses 'kiwamete' (extremely) and 'shakō keitai' (social form).

外交官たちの食事会では、皿の上の料理以上に言葉の端々に注意が払われる。

In the dinner parties of diplomats, more attention is paid to every nuance of speech than to the food on the plates.

Uses 'kotoba no hasihasi' (every word and phrase/nuances).

その食事会は、表面上の和やかさとは裏腹に、激しい主導権争いの場であった。

Contrary to its superficial harmony, that dinner party was a venue for an intense struggle for leadership.

Uses 'ura-hara ni' (contrary to/opposite of) and 'shudōken arasoi' (leadership struggle).

食事会を単なる会食と捉えるか、戦略的な投資と捉えるかで結果は大きく変わる。

The outcome changes greatly depending on whether one views a dinner party as a mere meal or as a strategic investment.

Uses the 'A to toraeru ka, B to toraeru ka' structure.

伝統的な料亭での食事会には、一見さんお断りという高い障壁が存在する。

In dinner parties at traditional ryotei, there exists a high barrier known as 'no first-time customers without an introduction.'

Uses 'ichigensan okodwari' (no unintroduced guests) and 'shōheki' (barrier).

食事会での振る舞い一つで、その人物の教養や品格が露呈してしまう。

With a single action at a dinner party, a person's education and character are laid bare.

Uses 'rotei suru' (to be exposed/laid bare) and 'hinkaku' (dignity/character).

現代社会において、食事会が果たす情緒的交流の役割は再評価されるべきだ。

In modern society, the role of emotional exchange played by dinner parties should be re-evaluated.

Uses 'jōnoteki kōryū' (emotional exchange) and 'saikyōka' (re-evaluation).

食事会という空間は、公私の境界線が曖昧になる特異なトポスである。

The space of a dinner party is a unique 'topos' where the boundary between public and private becomes blurred.

Uses 'aimai' (vague/blurred) and the philosophical term 'topos' (place/site).

Common Collocations

食事会を開く

食事会に参加する

食事会を企画する

豪華な食事会

和やかな食事会

食事会の会場

食事会の費用

食事会を欠席する

定期的な食事会

食事会の案内

Common Phrases

親睦食事会

— A meal gathering specifically for building or improving relationships.

社員同士の親睦食事会を催す。

お祝いの食事会

— A dinner party to celebrate a specific achievement or event.

合格お祝いの食事会に行きました。

家族の食事会

— A family gathering over a meal.

週末は家族の食事会があります。

歓迎食事会

— A welcome dinner party for a new member.

新入生のための歓迎食事会。

送別食事会

— A farewell dinner party for someone leaving.

退職する同僚の送別食事会。

ビジネス食事会

— A meal gathering for business purposes or networking.

取引先とビジネス食事会をする。

持ち寄り食事会

— A potluck dinner party where everyone brings a dish.

公園で持ち寄り食事会をした。

定例食事会

— A regularly scheduled dinner party (e.g., monthly).

明日は月一回の定例食事会だ。

少人数の食事会

— A dinner party with a small number of people.

少人数の食事会でゆっくり話す。

食事会のお礼

— A thank-you message or gesture after a dinner party.

食事会のお礼に手紙を書く。

Often Confused With

食事会 vs 飲み会 (Nomikai)

A 'nomikai' is focused on drinking; a 'shokujikai' is focused on eating. Choose 'shokujikai' if you want a quieter, more food-centric atmosphere.

食事会 vs 会食 (Kaishoku)

While similar, 'kaishoku' is much more formal and usually involves high-level business or political discussions.

食事会 vs パーティー (Pātī)

A 'pātī' can be standing and casual; a 'shokujikai' almost always involves sitting down for a full meal.

Idioms & Expressions

"同じ釜の飯を食う"

— Literally 'to eat rice from the same pot.' It means to share a life or work experience, often used in relation to the bonding that happens at a 'shokujikai'.

彼とは同じ釜の飯を食った仲だ。

Informal/Idiomatic

"箸が進む"

— Literally 'chopsticks moving forward.' It means to have a good appetite because the food is delicious, common praise at a 'shokujikai'.

料理が美味しくて、箸が進みますね。

Neutral

"酒の肴"

— Food to go with drinks, often a topic of discussion at a dinner party.

面白い話が一番の酒の肴だ。

Neutral

"毒を食らわば皿まで"

— If you eat the poison, eat the plate too. Meaning: If you're going to do something, finish it completely. (Used metaphorically about social commitment).

ここまで来たら、毒を食らわば皿までだ。

Literary

"口を割る"

— To confess or start talking, sometimes the result of a long dinner party.

彼はついに食事会で口を割った。

Informal

"腹を割って話す"

— To speak frankly and honestly; the goal of many social meals.

食事会で腹を割って話し合った。

Neutral

"相席"

— Sharing a table with a stranger, sometimes happens at crowded public 'shokujikai'.

混んでいたので相席になった。

Neutral

"お開きにする"

— To bring a gathering (like a shokujikai) to an end.

そろそろお開きにしましょう。

Polite

"顔を出す"

— To show one's face; to briefly attend a dinner party.

食事会に少しだけ顔を出す。

Neutral

"一味違う"

— To be a bit different (better) than usual; used to describe special food at a 'shokujikai'.

今日の料理は一味違うね。

Neutral

Easily Confused

食事会 vs 宴会 (Enkai)

Both are group meals.

Enkai is usually much larger, louder, and involves traditional banquet settings with lots of alcohol. Shokujikai can be small and quiet.

会社の大きな宴会に参加した。

食事会 vs ランチ (Ranchi)

Both involve eating with others.

'Ranchi' is just the meal time. 'Ranchi shokujikai' is the organized event during that time.

ランチに行こう vs ランチの食事会をしよう。

食事会 vs 集まり (Atsumari)

Both are gatherings.

'Atsumari' is a general gathering that might not include food. 'Shokujikai' must include food.

親戚の集まりがあった。

食事会 vs 茶話会 (Sawakai)

Both are social gatherings.

'Sawakai' is a tea party with light snacks, not a full meal like a 'shokujikai'.

学校で茶話会が開かれた。

食事会 vs 合コン (Gōkon)

Both are group meals.

'Gōkon' is specifically a group blind date. Calling it a 'shokujikai' is a way to hide the dating aspect.

週末は合コンがある。

Sentence Patterns

[Time] に食事会があります。

日曜日に食事会があります。

[Place] で食事会をします。

レストランで食事会をします。

[Person] に食事会に誘われました。

先生に食事会に誘われました。

[Purpose] のための食事会を開く。

お祝いのための食事会を開く。

食事会に参加する予定です。

明日の食事会に参加する予定です。

食事会は [Adjective] 雰囲気でした。

食事会は和やかな雰囲気でした。

食事会を通じて [Goal]。

食事会を通じて親睦を深める。

食事会という名目で [Actual Action]。

食事会という名目で商談を進める。

Word Family

Nouns

食事 (Shokuji - Meal)

会 (Kai - Meeting/Party)

会食 (Kaishoku - Formal dining)

昼食会 (Chūshokukai - Luncheon)

夕食会 (Yūshokukai - Dinner party)

Verbs

食事する (Shokuji suru - To have a meal)

会う (Au - To meet)

会する (Kaisuru - To meet/gather)

レストラン (Restaurant)

宴会 (Enkai - Banquet)

幹事 (Kanji - Organizer)

献立 (Kondate - Menu/Plan)

乾杯 (Kanpai - Toast)

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in both daily life and business contexts in Japan.

Common Mistakes

Using 'shokujikai' for a quick, casual meal. → Use 'gohan' instead.
'Shokujikai' implies a planned event, not just grabbing a burger because you're hungry.
Saying 'shokujikai wo sanka suru'. → Say 'shokujikai ni sanka suru'.
The verb 'sanka suru' (to participate) always takes the particle 'ni'.
Using it as a verb: 'shokujikaisuru'. → Use 'shokujikai wo suru'.
It is a noun, not a suru-verb. You must keep the 'wo' or use another verb like 'hiraku'.
Confusing it with 'nomikai' when drinking is the main goal. → Use 'nomikai' if the focus is alcohol.
If you call a heavy drinking session a 'shokujikai', people might be surprised by the lack of focus on food.
Using 'bansankai' for a normal dinner with friends. → Use 'shokujikai'.
'Bansankai' is extremely formal (like a state dinner). It sounds weird for a normal social gathering.

Tips

Use for Planning

When you want to suggest a group meal that sounds organized and special, use 'shokujikai'. It sounds more intentional than just 'eating'.

Mind the Kanji

The kanji '会' (kai) is the key. It transforms 'shokuji' (meal) into an 'event'. Always think of it as a 'meal event'.

Inclusive Choice

If you are organizing an event for a diverse group, choose 'shokujikai' over 'nomikai' to ensure non-drinkers feel included.

Verb Pairing

Remember the verb 'hiraku' (to hold). 'Shokujikai wo hiraku' is a very common and natural-sounding phrase.

Specify the Meal

You can add 'ranchi' (lunch) or 'dinā' (dinner) before 'shokujikai' to be more specific, e.g., 'ranchi shokujikai'.

Business Context

In business, a 'shokujikai' is often a 'soft' way to do business. The real talk happens between the courses.

Kanpai!

Even in a 'shokujikai', a toast (kanpai) is standard. Wait for the host or the most senior person to lead the toast.

Email Subject Lines

Use '【ご案内】食事会のお知らせ' as a standard and polite subject line for an invitation email.

Atmosphere Descriptors

Learn words like 'nagoyaka' (harmonious) or 'nigiyaka' (lively) to describe the 'shokujikai' afterwards.

B1 Level Mastery

Mastering this word is a sign of moving into intermediate Japanese, as it shows you understand social structures.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a **SHOCK** (shoku) when you see the **G** (ji) - the 'Great' food at the **KAI** (meeting). SHOKU-JI-KAI.

Visual Association

Visualize a round table with four people, each holding a bowl of rice, with a large banner above them that says 'KAI' (Meeting).

Word Web

Food (食) Matter (事) Meeting (会) Table Friends Invitation Restaurant Conversation

Challenge

Try to use 'shokujikai' in a sentence today when talking about your dinner plans. Even if you are eating alone, imagine you are planning a 'shokujikai' for next week!

Word Origin

The term '食事会' is a relatively modern Japanese compound. It combines '食事' (shokuji), which has been used for centuries to mean 'eating a meal,' with '会' (kai), a suffix indicating a gathering or meeting that became popular in the late 19th century during the Meiji era's modernization.

Original meaning: A meeting for the purpose of eating.

Sino-Japanese (Kango)

Cultural Context

When organizing a 'shokujikai' in Japan, it is crucial to consider dietary restrictions (though this is a newer concept in Japan) and the hierarchy of seating (kamiza/shimoza).

In English-speaking cultures, we might just say 'dinner' or 'going out for food.' 'Shokujikai' is slightly more formal, similar to saying 'a hosted dinner' or 'a social luncheon.'

The 'Last Supper' is often translated as 'Saigo no Bansan', but a modern social dinner in a novel might be called a 'shokujikai'. Many 'slice of life' anime (like 'March Comes in Like a Lion') feature 'shokujikai' as central emotional scenes. Gourmet manga like 'Oishinbo' frequently use 'shokujikai' as the setting for culinary battles.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Business Welcome

歓迎の食事会
親睦を深める
幹事を務める
皆様のご参加をお待ちしております

Family Celebration

お祝いの食事会
家族水入らずで
記念日に
手料理を振る舞う

Friend Gathering

久しぶりの食事会
話題のレストランで
割り勘にする
また集まろう

RSVP/Email

食事会のご案内
出席させていただきます
あいにく先約があり
楽しみにしております

Restaurant Booking

食事会の予約をしたい
コース料理で
個室をお願いします
アレルギー対応は可能ですか

Conversation Starters

"今度の食事会、どこかお勧めのレストランはありますか？ (Do you have any recommended restaurants for the next dinner party?)"

"昨日の食事会で一番美味しかった料理は何でしたか？ (What was the most delicious dish at yesterday's dinner party?)"

"食事会の幹事をやったことはありますか？ (Have you ever been the organizer of a dinner party?)"

"来月の食事会には、何人くらい集まる予定ですか？ (About how many people are expected to gather for next month's dinner party?)"

"食事会では、いつもどんな話をすることが多いですか？ (What kind of things do you usually talk about at a dinner party?)"

Journal Prompts

最近参加した食事会について、楽しかったことや食べたものを詳しく書いてください。 (Write in detail about a recent dinner party you attended, what was fun, and what you ate.)

自分が食事会を企画するとしたら、どんな人を呼んで、どんな料理を出したいですか？ (If you were to plan a dinner party, who would you invite and what kind of food would you serve?)

「食事会」と「飲み会」のどちらが好きですか？その理由も教えてください。 (Which do you prefer, a 'shokujikai' or a 'nomikai'? Please explain why.)

食事会でのマナーについて、あなたが大切だと思うことを書いてください。 (Write about what you think is important regarding manners at a dinner party.)

海外の友人を招いて食事会を開くなら、どんな日本の文化を紹介したいですか？ (If you were to hold a dinner party for foreign friends, what Japanese culture would you like to introduce?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, while it often implies dinner, it can also be used for lunch ('ranchi no shokujikai'). If the time isn't specified, dinner is the default assumption, but it's always good to check.

Technically yes, but it sounds a bit formal. If it's just two friends, 'gohan' or 'dēto' (date) is more common. 'Shokujikai' usually implies a group of three or more.

You can say 'Shokujikai no o-sasoi, arigatō gozaimasu. Zehi sanka sasete itadakimasu.' (Thank you for the invitation to the dinner party. I would love to participate.)

The main difference is the focus. 'Nomikai' is about drinking alcohol and usually has a rowdier atmosphere. 'Shokujikai' is about the food and conversation and is generally more restrained.

It is 'polite' (teineigo). It is perfectly fine to use with your boss or in a business email, but it is not 'super formal' like 'bansankai'.

If it's at someone's house, a small gift like sweets or wine ('temiyage') is expected. If it's at a restaurant, you just pay your share of the bill.

In a business setting, the company or the most senior person might pay. Among friends, it is usually 'warikan' (splitting the bill).

It depends on the venue. If it's a hotel or high-end restaurant, business casual is safe. If it's a casual izakaya, your normal clothes are fine.

It sounds a bit clinical for a date. It's better to say 'gohan ni iku' or 'dinā' (dinner). Using 'shokujikai' might make it sound like a group event or a business meeting.

Yes, especially in school or office-themed anime when the characters have a planned celebration or a serious talk over a meal.