(せったい)

せったい
noun / suru verb
business entertainment, reception, hospitality
1. business entertainment, wining and dining clients
The practice of entertaining business clients or partners, typically through dinners, golf outings, or other hospitality. A central concept in Japanese corporate culture for building and maintaining business relationships.
今夜(こんや)取引先(とりひきさき)接待(せったい)がある。
I have a client entertainment dinner tonight.
接待(せったい)ゴルフで重要(じゅうよう)契約(けいやく)がまとまった。
An important contract was finalized through client entertainment golf.
過度(かど)接待(せったい)汚職(おしょく)温床(おんしょう)になりかねない。
Excessive business entertainment can become a breeding ground for corruption.
2. reception, hospitality, serving guests
The more general act of receiving and serving guests or visitors, including offering tea, food, or other forms of hospitality.
客様(きゃくさま)接待(せったい)する。
To receive and serve guests.
旅館(りょかん)接待(せったい)がとても丁寧(ていねい)だった。
The hospitality at the Japanese inn was very attentive.
遍路(へんろ)さんにお(ちゃ)食事(しょくじ)接待(せったい)する風習(ふうしゅう)(いま)(のこ)っている。
The custom of offering tea and meals to pilgrims still remains today.

USAGE:
Used as both a noun and a suru verb. In modern Japanese, sense 1 (business entertainment) is the most common usage. 接待(せったい) is a significant aspect of Japanese business culture, where relationships are built through shared meals and leisure activities. Sense 2 (general hospitality) is older and broader, seen in traditional and religious contexts.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 接待(せったい)ゴルフ: client entertainment golf
  • 接待(せったい)(): entertainment expenses
  • 接待(せったい)()ける: to be entertained (as a guest)
  • 遍路(へんろ)接待(せったい): offering hospitality to pilgrims

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • もてなし: hospitality (warm, personal)
  • 歓待(かんたい): warm reception, warm welcome (more festive)