Japanese word

もてなす

Pronunciation

Romajimotenasu

Meaning

  • verbtreat

Example

私たちは客を丁寧にもてなします。watashi ta chi wa kyaku o tei nei ni mo te na shi ma su

We treat our guests with care.

Illustration for もてなす (treat)

More examples

お祝いの日には、親しい友人たちを自宅でもてなします。o iwa i no hi ni wa shita shi i yū jin ta chi o ji taku de mo te na shi ma su

On special occasions, I host close friends at home.

Core concept

The verb もてなす (motenasu) centers on giving someone attentive care as a guest, rather than merely providing food or drink.

Common phrases

  • 客をもてなすkyaku o mo te na su

    host guests

Similar words

接待するsettaisuru: To attend to a guest and provide hospitality, often for business purposes.
振る舞うfurumau: To serve food or drinks to guests as part of hospitality.
ごちそうするgochisōsuru: To pay for and provide a meal for someone.

Definition in Japanese

客を迎え、飲食や応対などに心を配って親切に扱う。kyaku o muka e in shoku ya ō tai na do ni kokoro o kuba tte shin setsu ni atsuka u

Word origin

The native Japanese verb もてなす (motenasu) is traditionally represented by 持て成す (motenasu), and reliable explanations do not establish a definite meaning for each written part.

Usage tips

  • English learners may associate treat mainly with food or medicine, but もてなす (motenasu) usually highlights welcoming a guest and providing thoughtful hospitality.

Other meanings

  • hostverb

Related words

  • おもてなしomotenashihospitalitynoun
  • もてなしmotenashihospitalitynoun

Word lists with this word