Meaning and Usage
"招き" (まねき) primarily means "invitation" or "beckoning." It is often used in formal or polite contexts when referring to inviting someone to an event or place.
Common Collocations
- 招きを受ける (まねきをうける): to receive an invitation
- 招き猫 (まねきねこ): a beckoning cat figurine believed to bring good luck
- 招きに応じる (まねきにおうじる): to respond to an invitation
Nuances and Register
This word carries a polite and somewhat formal tone, often used in written invitations or respectful speech. It can also imply a warm or welcoming gesture, not just a simple invite.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 招き with 招く (まねく), the verb meaning "to invite" or "to beckon." 招き is the noun form, so it is used as a noun or in compound nouns, while 招く is the action verb.
Practical Tips
When you want to talk about receiving or giving an invitation, use 招き as a noun. For example, "招きを受ける" means "to receive an invitation." Also, recognizing 招き猫 helps understand cultural references related to luck and welcoming.