1.
drinking party; banquet; feast
A formal gathering centered around drinking alcohol. More literary and formal than 飲み会, often used for traditional or historical banquets.
酒宴を催す。
Hold a banquet.
結婚を祝って酒宴が開かれた。
A banquet was held to celebrate the marriage.
夜遅くまで酒宴が続き、翌朝は皆二日酔いだった。
The banquet went on until late at night, and the next morning everyone had a hangover.
A formal and somewhat literary word. In everyday conversation, 飲み会 (drinking party) or 宴会 (banquet) are more common.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 酒宴を催す (to hold a banquet)
- 酒宴を開く (to give a banquet)
- 酒宴が続く (the feast continues)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 宴会 — general banquet (neutral register)
- 飲み会 — casual drinking party (informal)
- 酒宴 — drinking feast (literary/formal)