Translation guide
The English word 'hostess' can refer to several different roles in Japanese, depending on context. It can mean a woman who greets and seats customers in a restaurant, a female entertainer in a bar or club, a female host of an event or TV show, or a woman who receives guests in a home. The most common and useful meanings for learners are the restaurant hostess and the nightclub hostess.
A woman who greets and seats customers in a restaurant.
Loanword from English, commonly used in restaurants and hotels for a female hostess who greets and seats guests.
ホステスが席まで案内してくれた。
The hostess showed us to our table.
A more general term for a person who guides or ushers, can be used for a hostess in a restaurant or event.
レストランの案内係はとても親切だった。
The restaurant hostess was very kind.
A woman employed to entertain male customers at a bar or club, often involving conversation and serving drinks.
The standard term for a hostess in a hostess club or bar. Note that this role is specific to Japanese nightlife and may involve flirting and attentive service.
彼女は銀座のクラブでホステスとして働いている。
She works as a hostess at a club in Ginza.
Slang for a hostess working in a kyabakura (cabaret club). More casual and specific to that type of establishment.
A woman who hosts or emcees an event, show, or party.
General term for an emcee or host, gender-neutral. For a female host, you can specify 女性司会者 (じょせいしかいしゃ).
彼女はパーティーの司会者を務めた。
She acted as the hostess of the party.
Also used for a female host of an event, though less common than 司会者.
A woman who receives or entertains guests in her own home.
Descriptive phrase meaning 'a woman who entertains/hosts'. There is no single word equivalent; this phrase conveys the role.
彼女は素晴らしいもてなす女性だ。
She is a wonderful hostess.
Can be used, but may be confused with the nightclub meaning. Context is important.
彼女は完璧なホステスだった。
She was the perfect hostess.
The word ホステス most commonly refers to a nightclub hostess in Japanese. Using it in other contexts (like a restaurant or home) may cause confusion or unintended connotations. Always consider the situation.
彼女はホステスです。
She is a hostess. (likely interpreted as nightclub hostess)
That hostess is popular.
イベントのホステスは流暢な英語を話した。
The event hostess spoke fluent English.