Translation guide
The English phrase 'be invited' is most naturally expressed in Japanese using the passive form of the verb 招待する (shoutai suru) or the verb 招く (maneku). However, Japanese often uses other constructions depending on context, such as '〜に呼ばれる' (to be called to) or simply stating that one received an invitation. This guide covers the most common and natural ways to express the idea of being invited in various situations.
Expressing that someone has been invited to a party, wedding, meeting, etc.
The passive form of 招待する (to invite). This is the most direct and common way to say 'be invited' in Japanese. It is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
私は友達の結婚式に招待されました。
I was invited to my friend's wedding.
彼はパーティーに招待されなかった。
He wasn't invited to the party.
The passive form of 招く (to invite). Slightly more formal or literary than 招待される, but still common. Often used for being invited to someone's home or a formal event.
私たちは教授の家に夕食に招かれた。
We were invited to the professor's house for dinner.
Literally 'to be called', but often used to mean 'to be invited' in casual contexts, especially for informal gatherings. It implies being asked to come.
明日の飲み会に呼ばれた？
Were you invited to tomorrow's drinking party?
A polite expression meaning 'to receive an invitation'. Often used in formal situations or when speaking humbly about oneself.
先日はお食事のお誘いを受け、ありがとうございました。
Thank you for inviting me to dinner the other day.
Expressing that someone has been asked to take part in an activity, project, or group.
Literally 'to be asked to participate'. This is a natural way to express being invited to join an activity or project, especially in professional or formal settings.
彼は新しいプロジェクトへの参加を求められた。
He was invited to join the new project.
The passive form of 誘う (to invite/tempt). This is a very common and versatile word for being invited to do something together, such as going out, playing, or joining an activity. It can be used in both casual and polite contexts.
友達に映画に誘われた。
I was invited to a movie by a friend.
彼女はよくランチに誘われる。
She is often invited to lunch.
An idiomatic expression meaning 'to be approached' or 'to be invited' (often for a job, role, or opportunity). It implies someone has reached out to you.
彼に新しい仕事の声がかかった。
He was invited to take on a new job.
Referring to receiving a formal written invitation, such as a card or official request.
Literally 'an invitation card arrives'. This is the most natural way to say you received a formal written invitation.
結婚式の招待状が届いた。
I received an invitation to the wedding.
Often used for receiving an invitation or notice for an event, especially from an organization. 案内 (annai) can mean invitation, guidance, or information.
会社から忘年会の案内が来た。
I received an invitation to the company year-end party.
English speakers often try to directly translate 'be invited' as 招待されている (shoutai sarete iru), which means 'I am in the state of being invited' and can sound unnatural. Instead, use the past tense 招待された (shoutai sareta) for 'was invited' or the present tense for future invitations depending on context.
You can also express being invited by using 〜てもらう (te morau) to show you received the favor of an invitation. For example, 友達にパーティーに招待してもらった (I got invited to the party by a friend). This emphasizes the kindness of the inviter.
私はその会議でスピーチをするように招待されました。
I've been invited to give a speech at the conference.
パーティーに招待されましたか？
Were you invited to the party?