1.
entertainment at a party or ceremony; performance for guests
Performances, games, or skits presented for guests at events like weddings, banquets, year-end parties, and company gatherings. Not the main event but a supplementary entertainment segment.
余興でカラオケをした。
We did karaoke as entertainment.
結婚式の余興を頼まれた。
I was asked to do the entertainment at the wedding.
忘年会の余興で部長がものまねを披露した。
The department head did impressions as entertainment at the year-end party.
Composed of 余 (extra) + 興 (amusement). Strongly associated with weddings and company parties, where guests are often asked to prepare a song, dance, or skit.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 余興を披露する: to put on entertainment
- 余興を頼む: to ask someone to perform
- 結婚式の余興: wedding reception entertainment
- 余興に歌う: to sing as entertainment
CULTURAL CONTEXT:
Being asked to do 余興 at a wedding is both an honor and a source of stress — guests typically rehearse songs, dance routines, or comedic skits. Refusing the request is considered impolite.