1.
social gathering; get-together; fellowship event
An organized event where members of a group (workplace, school, neighborhood, etc.) socialize to strengthen personal relationships. More structured than a casual party.
親睦会に参加した。
I attended a social gathering.
新入社員の歓迎を兼ねた親睦会が開かれた。
A social gathering was held that also served as a welcome event for new employees.
町内会では年に二回、親睦会を開催して住民同士の交流を深めている。
The neighborhood association holds social gatherings twice a year to deepen interaction among residents.
A compound of 親睦 (friendship, fellowship) and 会 (meeting, gathering).
Common in Japanese workplace and community culture. These events often involve eating and drinking together. In a company context, they may be semi-mandatory — attending shows team spirit.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 懇親会 is a near-synonym, slightly more formal
- 飲み会 is a more casual drinking party
- 歓迎会 specifically welcomes new members
- 送別会 is a farewell party
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 親睦会を開く (to hold a social gathering)
- 親睦会に出席する (to attend a social gathering)
- 親睦を深める (to deepen fellowship)