飲み会

nomikai
nounIntermediate drinking party
informal

A social gathering where people drink alcohol together, typically after work or on weekends. Often involves dining and casual conversation.

同僚と飲み会に行きました

I went to a drinking party with my coworkers.

飲み会で新しい友達を作りました

I made new friends at the drinking party.

💡

Common in Japanese work culture, often used to bond with colleagues outside of work hours.

Collocations

飲み会に行くgo to a drinking party飲み会をするhave a drinking party飲み会の後after the drinking party

Related Phrases

飲み会に誘うphrase
to invite someone to a drinking party
飲み会で酔っ払うphrase
to get drunk at a drinking party

💡Pro Tip

Workplace Etiquette

In Japan, declining an invitation to a nomikai (飲み会) can sometimes be seen as rude, as it's an important part of team bonding.

Gold Rule

Formality

While the word itself is neutral, the context of a nomikai is typically informal and relaxed.

📖Word Origin

From 飲む (nomu, to drink) + 会 (kai, meeting). A compound word combining the act of drinking with a social gathering.

📝Usage Notes

Often used in business settings to describe after-work socializing. Can also refer to casual gatherings among friends.

Word Breakdown

飲み
drinking
root
+
meeting
root
和英辞典