Formal — to stranger
Cultural · Communication
本日はお招きいただき、誠にありがとうございます。 — Thank you sincerely for inviting me today. (Cultural · Communication, Formal — to stranger, JLPT N4)
You
本日はお招きいただき、誠にありがとうございます。
ほんじつはおまねきいただき、まことにありがとうございます。
Thank you sincerely for inviting me today.
Romaji: Honjitsu wa omaneki itadaki, makoto ni arigatou gozaimasu. / Reply Romaji: Youkoso okoshi kudasaimashita.
Reply
ようこそお越しくださいました。
ようこそおこしくださいました。
Thank you for coming.
Gesture & etiquette
At the entrance, present any gift with both hands at chest height. Bow (20°) when saying the phrase. After the greeting, remove shoes carefully, point them outward (or take slippers if offered).
Standard arriving phrase at any formal gathering (wedding, party, business reception, home dinner). Pair with お手土産 (small gift like sweets, wine, or seasonal fruit ~2000-5000 yen). Present gift with both hands at the entrance. After the event, send a thank-you note within 2-3 days for formal gatherings, same-day text for casual ones.