Meaning and Usage
"招待する" (しょうたいする) means "to invite" or "to host" someone, often implying a polite or formal invitation. It is commonly used when inviting friends, guests, or colleagues to events, parties, meals, or gatherings.
Common Contexts
This verb is frequently used in social and business settings. For example, inviting friends to a party, being invited to a company event, or hosting guests for a meal.
Collocations and Patterns
- 招待する: to invite or host someone
- 招待される: to be invited
- 招待状を送る: to send an invitation letter
- お客様を招待する: to invite guests/customers
Register and Politeness
"招待する" is polite and appropriate in both casual and formal contexts. It is more formal than just "誘う" (さそう), which also means "to invite" but is more casual.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "招待する" with "誘う". Use "招待する" when the invitation is more formal or involves hosting, and "誘う" for casual invitations like going out with friends.