Using Incorrect Language May Be Disrespectful! Do You Know the Differences and Meanings of "Reisseki" and "Sanrei"?

2022.04.13 published

殿堂記事

Attendance / Participating. How do you say joining a wedding???

A wedding is a formal time, place, and situation.

Since many guests will participate and be involved, let’s pay careful attention to avoid any rudeness＊

The two major points to pay special attention to are

☑ Guest names (kanji and pronunciation!)

☑ Language use

These are important.

Especially regarding language use, it can be difficult because you have to learn keywords and concepts that you may have never encountered before for a once-in-a-lifetime wedding...!

However, this special day cannot be excused with "I didn't know."

Because guests are celebrating, the bride and groom must show proper etiquette♩

In this article, we will explain the meanings and usage of the terms "列席" (ressei) and "参列" (sanrei), which are often confused＊

@nagisa_marry

"列席" is used by the organizer! "参列" is used by guests!

Let’s remember this＊＊

Both "参列" and "列席" have similar meanings.

They both mean "to participate in a line = to participate in a ceremony or event."

However, although they are similar words, "which keyword to use depends on the position," so be careful!

"列席" is a word used by the organizer!

...The term "列席" is used by the bride, groom, their relatives, and the host.

An example of its use is "Thank you for attending the wedding today despite your busy schedule."

"参列" is a word used by guests!

...Conversely, the term "参列" is used by the invited side.

☑ "I am honored to attend."

☑ "At the wedding I attended..." are examples of usage ♡

@haruno45

Point ① The bride and groom, as the host, never use the term "参列"!

Let’s be careful＊

The bride, groom, family, and host are the organizers. Therefore, they do not use the word "参列," which is for the invited side.

Thus, saying "Thank you for your attendance!" is incorrect.

Be sure not to write or say that!

"列席" and "Thank you for your attendance." is correct◎

@kh_wed20.08

Point ② However, guests may also use the term "列席."

"列席" is a term used by the organizer.

"参列" is a term used by guests.

This basic rule is absolute, but among guests, there are some who may use the term "列席."

For example, "Thank you for attending."

This can be because the term "参列" may evoke an image associated with funerals....

When guests use the term "列席," it can be for two reasons:

Either the guests themselves are concerned about wanting to avoid using "参列," or

Even if the guests are not concerned, they are being considerate of the organizers by avoiding "参列."

Originally, this interpretation differs from the dictionary meanings,

However, in any case, this thoughtful consideration is a positive sentiment, so when participating as a guest, it might be best to say "Thank you for allowing me to attend!" to avoid hurting anyone.

@haru___1109

Point ③ There is also the term "出席" (shusseki)!

When participating as a guest,

If you want to avoid using the term "参列," but also don't want to use "列席," which is semantically incorrect...,

then the term "出席" is a convenient option!

The term "出席" has no negative connotations, making it a flat word that anyone can use at any time without worry.

For the organizers, the term to use is "列席," so there is no need to worry, but for guests, since either "列席" or "参列" seems acceptable, if you are uncertain, it's perfectly fine to unify your usage as "出席"＊

@traveler__wedding

Use language carefully to avoid hurting feelings!

Many people may have used the terms "列席" and "参列" ambiguously until they held a wedding.

Do you now understand the meanings and usage clearly?

Language is a fundamental courtesy that reflects proper etiquette. While paying attention to various decorations and performances is important, using language correctly as a common means of understanding others is something we should be diligent about.

Regarding "列席" and "参列," the bride and groom should certainly use the term "列席"＊

A wedding is a gathering for older guests and those who have been helpful to you.

You never know what might concern them, and if you make a linguistic error and someone thinks, "Is this bride lacking common sense...," it may be disrespectful to both families.

Let's make sure to remember this well♩

➡ View the list of articles about manners＊

@kiide69