Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of a 'guest' varies significantly based on context: a hotel guest, a house visitor, a TV show guest, or a customer. The most common words are お客様 (formal/polite), お客さん (casual), and 客 (neutral/abstract).
Referring to a paying guest or customer in a service context.
The standard polite term used by staff to address or refer to customers, guests, or clients. It shows respect and is the safest choice in service situations.
お客様、お待たせしました。
Thank you for waiting, sir/madam.
本日はお客様が少ないです。
We have few guests today.
A more casual but still polite term. Used by staff in less formal settings, or when talking about customers among colleagues. Also used in everyday conversation.
あのお客さん、よく来るね。
That customer comes often, doesn't he?
Neutral, somewhat blunt. Used in compound words, signs, or when speaking abstractly. Not used to directly address a guest.
客の入りが悪い。
The customer turnout is poor.
Referring to someone who visits your house, apartment, etc.
The most common way to refer to a visitor. It is polite and friendly. Can be used for both expected and unexpected visitors.
今日はお客さんが来るから、掃除しなきゃ。
I have guests coming today, so I have to clean.
お客さんが来ているので、静かにしてください。
We have a guest, so please be quiet.
A more formal, written term for a visitor. Often used in business or official contexts, or on signs.
Very polite; used when you want to show extreme respect to a visitor, or when speaking about someone else's guest. Overly formal for casual home visitors.
Referring to a guest on a TV program, at a party, or at an event.
Loanword from English, very common for TV show guests, event guests, wedding guests, etc. Implies a special invited status.
今日のゲストは有名な俳優です。
Today's guest is a famous actor.
結婚式のゲストリストを作った。
I made the wedding guest list.
Very formal term for a distinguished guest at a ceremony or official function. Not for everyday use.
Referring to someone staying at a hotel, inn, or similar accommodation.
Specifically means a guest who is staying overnight. Used in hotel contexts.
宿泊客は朝食が無料です。
Breakfast is free for hotel guests.
The general polite term also used for hotel guests, especially when addressing them directly.
The English phrase 'Be my guest' (meaning 'go ahead') does not translate literally. Use どうぞ (dōzo) or ご自由にどうぞ (go-jiyū ni dōzo) instead.
お客様 is the default for service staff addressing customers. Using お客さん in a formal service setting can sound too casual or even rude. In private conversation about a visitor, お客さん is natural.
来客用の駐車場
parking for visitors
お客様がいらっしゃいました。
A guest has arrived. (very formal)
Literally 'invited guest'. Used for formal events, parties, ceremonies. Emphasizes that the person was invited.
招待客を案内する。
to guide the invited guests
来賓の皆様、ご起立ください。
Distinguished guests, please rise.
お客様、お部屋の鍵でございます。
Sir/Madam, here is your room key.