1.
feast, banquet, celebration, party
A celebratory gathering with food and drink. Has an elegant, literary tone compared to the everyday word パーティー. Often used for formal or traditional celebrations.
盛大な宴が開かれた。
A grand banquet was held.
勝利を祝う宴は夜遅くまで続いた。
The celebration of the victory continued until late at night.
城の大広間で華やかな宴が催され、家臣たちが集まった。
A splendid banquet was held in the great hall of the castle, and the retainers gathered.
USAGE:
A literary and elegant word. In modern Japanese, it is used in formal writing, historical narratives, and creative works more than in casual conversation. For everyday parties and gatherings, パーティー or 飲み会 are more natural.
SIMILAR WORDS:
宴会 is the more common compound for a banquet or dinner party and is used in everyday contexts (忘年会, 歓迎会, etc.). 宴 has a more poetic and literary feel.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 宴を開く: to hold a feast
- 宴を催す: to host a banquet
- 盛大な宴: a grand feast
- 宴の席: the banquet table/occasion