"Become a Wise Bride! Let's Learn Challenging Words like 'Gobentatsu' and 'Sen'etsu' Often Used in Wedding Speeches!"
2016.09.28 published
Wedding speeches are full of difficult words!
At wedding receptions, there are often times for speeches, whether it be greetings from honored guests, congratulatory remarks from superiors, or even the groom's father's acknowledgments. However, within these wedding speeches, there are quite a few words that even Japanese people often get wrong or don’t fully understand...
Since it's your big day♡ Let's remember the meanings of wedding terms!
For instance, can you explain the meaning of "ご指導ご鞭撻" and the term "ご健勝" right here and now???>_<
Of course, there are those who can explain it, but there are likely quite a few brides who feel a little unsure... they might understand the general vibe but not the specifics! While it may not matter if you don’t know them, as the main characters of the wedding, you surely want to have a solid understanding of the meanings of wedding terminology, right?♡
So this time, I'll introduce the meanings of complex wedding terms often used in wedding speeches*
Commonly Misunderstood Wedding Term ① "ご指導ご鞭撻"
A phrase often heard in the groom's speech is, "今後ともご指導ご鞭撻(ごべんたつ)を賜りますようお願い申し上げます." The term "ご指導" means to guide directly, while "ご鞭撻" means to encourage strongly, even harshly. In other words, it’s a phrase used by newlyweds that asks for guidance, even if it’s strict, to be led in a good direction! This is a term you’d want to remember as it is also used in business contexts*
Another phrase used in the groom’s father's speech and the groom's speech is "ご健勝をお祈り申し上げます." "ご健勝," as you can see from the kanji, means to be healthy in body and mind. This term is often used alongside "ご多幸" (meaning much happiness) and "ご清栄" (meaning wishing for health and prosperity), so keep an eye out for those!♩
Another term used in the groom's speech is "ご教示ください." "ご教示" is a formal way of saying to teach or convey information. One thing to be careful about is the similar phrase "ご教授ください." "ご教授" carries the weight of teaching specialized subjects, so it’s best not to use this at weddings!
Many people might be familiar with the phrase "ご自愛くださいませ," which means to take good care of yourself. It is often used in the context of following phrases like "暑さが続きますが" (It has been hot) or "寒くなりましたが" (It has become cold). When writing a letter to announce your wedding, be careful not to confuse it with "ご慈愛," which means to request deep love!
A term commonly used in speeches from superiors or when giving a toast is "僭越ながらお話させていただきます." The meaning of "僭越(せんえつ)" is to speak beyond one's position or status, showing humility in the phrase. It’s a very traditional Japanese expression.
The term "ご臨席" in "ご臨席くださりありがとうございます" is a respectful expression for attendance. Originally, it was used for nobles or people of high status, but it is now used politely in wedding contexts!
Let's eliminate any unfamiliar words to prepare for the wedding♡
What did you think? This article was a bit like a language class, wasn’t it?♡ However, as the hosts of the wedding, I truly believe it is better to be familiar with wedding terminology! Plus, knowing the meanings of words will help you understand their weight, and you’re sure to be moved even more! Eliminate any confusing words before the ceremony and look forward to a wonderful wedding day♡ Let’s become smart brides**