Translation guide
A social gathering to say goodbye to someone who is leaving. Japanese has several common expressions, with 送別会 (そうべつかい) being the most standard. The choice depends on formality and context.
A planned event, often at work or school, to send someone off.
The most common and neutral term for a farewell party, especially in professional or school settings.
来週、田中さんの送別会があります。
There will be a farewell party for Mr. Tanaka next week.
送別会の幹事を任されました。
I was put in charge of organizing the farewell party.
A slightly softer, more personal term. Often used for children's events or less formal gatherings.
幼稚園でお別れ会を開きました。
We held a farewell party at the kindergarten.
A send-off party specifically to encourage someone embarking on a new challenge, like studying abroad or starting a new job. Has a connotation of cheering them on.
留学する友達のために壮行会をしました。
We held a send-off party for a friend who is going to study abroad.
An informal get-together with friends or colleagues to say goodbye, often involving drinks.
Still used for casual events, though it may sound slightly formal. Often combined with 飲み会 (drinking party).
今夜は送別会で飲みに行くよ。
Tonight I'm going out for drinks for a farewell party.
A casual farewell drinking party. Very common among friends.
明日、お別れ飲み会をしよう。
Let's have a farewell drinking party tomorrow.
Literally 'a party to send off'. Less common, but can be used in casual contexts.
彼の送る会をカラオケでやった。
We had his farewell party at karaoke.
Expressing the idea of a farewell gathering without using a specific noun.
Instead of a noun, describe the action: 送別会をする (hold a farewell party), お別れをする (say goodbye), etc.
みんなでお別れをしました。
We all said our goodbyes (implying a gathering).
彼のために何か送別会みたいなことをしたい。
I want to do something like a farewell party for him.
送別会 is the standard term for a farewell party, especially in business or formal settings. お別れ会 sounds softer and is often used for children or personal gatherings. 壮行会 is specifically for cheering someone on to a new endeavor.
会社の送別会はホテルで行われた。
The company farewell party was held at a hotel.
子供たちのお別れ会で泣いてしまった。
I cried at the children's farewell party.
Even though 送別会 is a formal word, it's perfectly fine to use it in casual conversation. You can also shorten it to 送別会をする or just say 飲み会 if the context is clear.