How to say "greet" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 出迎えるでむかえるichidan verb, transitive verbCovers greeting someone by going out to meet them on arrival, such as meeting a visitor at the station or airport; it stresses the act of going out, and is narrower than 迎える.
- 迎えるむかえるichidan verb, transitive verbThe broader verb: it covers going out to meet someone and also receiving or welcoming them, so it fits greeting arriving guests and visitors; use it when you simply mean meeting and welcoming someone.
Both verbs greet a person by meeting, receiving, or welcoming them, typically someone arriving; use 「出迎える」 to stress going out to meet the arriving person, and 「迎える」 for the broader senses of receiving and welcoming.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
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