応接

おうせつ

reception

JLPT N2

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"応接" (おうせつ) refers to the act of receiving and entertaining guests, often in a formal or business context. It can also refer to the room where guests are received, commonly called the "応接室" (reception room).

Common Contexts

This word is frequently used in business settings when talking about meeting clients or visitors. For example, companies often have a designated "応接室" for such occasions.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 応接室 (おうせつしつ): reception room, a formal space for receiving guests.
  • 応接に使う (おうせつに つかう): to use for reception, often referring to rooms or spaces.
  • 応接のマナー (おうせつの マナー): reception etiquette, the proper manners when receiving guests.

Register and Nuance

"応接" is a formal term, suitable for business or polite conversation. It is not commonly used in casual daily talk.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse "応接" with general "接待" (せったい), which also means reception or hospitality but can imply more active entertaining or hosting. "応接" focuses more on the act of receiving and the space used for it.

Example Sentences

かいしゃの おうせつしつで おきゃくさまを まっています。

I am waiting for the guest in the company's reception room.

おうせつに つかう へやは きちんと せいりして おきましょう。

Let's keep the room used for reception properly organized.

かれは おうせつの マナーを よく しっている。

He knows the etiquette of reception well.