Meaning and Usage
The verb もてなす means "to entertain" or "to make someone feel welcome." It is often used when hosting guests, whether at home, in a restaurant, or at an event. The word implies a warm, thoughtful, and sincere attitude toward the guest.
Common Contexts
You will hear もてなす in formal and informal settings, especially when talking about hospitality. It can refer to preparing food, providing comfort, or simply showing kindness and attention to visitors.
Collocations and Patterns
- お客様をもてなす: to entertain guests, a very common phrase in customer service and hospitality.
- 心を込めてもてなす: to entertain sincerely, emphasizing genuine care.
- もてなす側／もてなされる側: the host side / the guest side.
Register and Nuance
もてなす is polite but not overly formal. It is suitable for both spoken and written Japanese. It conveys respect and warmth without being stiff.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse もてなす with simple "to have" or "to hold" events. Remember, もてなす specifically focuses on the act of hospitality and making guests feel welcome, not just hosting or owning something.