Japanese word

飲み会

Pronunciation

Romajinomikai

Meaning

  • noundrinking party

Example

今夜、友達と飲み会に行きます。kon ya tomo dachi to no mi kai ni i ki ma su

I am going to a drinking party with friends tonight.

Illustration for 飲み会 (drinking party)

More examples

週末に友達と飲み会を開きます。shū matsu ni tomo dachi to no mi kai o hira ki ma su

I will have a drinking party with my friends this weekend.

Core concept

Centers on people coming together to drink and socialize, with the focus on the gathering rather than on any one drink.

Common phrases

  • 飲み会に参加するno mi kai ni san ka su ru

    attend a drinking party

  • 飲み会を開くno mi kai o hira ku

    hold a drinking party

  • 飲み会に誘うno mi kai ni saso u

    invite someone to a drinking party

Similar words

宴会enkai: A gathering for eating, drinking, and socializing, often held for a group or event.
酒宴shuen: A formal gathering centered on drinking alcohol, often with food and conversation.
酒盛りsakamori: A lively occasion where a group drinks together.

Definition in Japanese

酒などを飲みながら親しい人たちが集まって親交を深める会。sake na do o no mi na ga ra shita shi i hito ta chi ga atsu ma tte shin kō o fuka me ru kai

Word origin

It combines 飲み (nomi, "drinking"), the stem form of 飲む (nomu, "to drink"), with 会 (kai, "meeting") to mean a gathering for drinking.

Usage tips

  • In casual Japanese, 飲み会 (nomikai) can describe a social drinking event among coworkers, friends, or other groups, so it is broader than a company party.

Other meanings

  • get-togethernoun

Word lists with this word