“Bonenkai,” or end of year parties, are very popular Japan. Bonenkai usually take place between the end of November till the end of December. It could be with your co-workers or with your friends. It’s a great way to get to drink, eat and be merry. Bonenkai at usually held at an izakaya (Japanese-style pub) or restaurant.
“Bonenkai ni ikimasuka?” = Are you going to the bonenkai? (“____ ni ikimasuka?” = are you going to ___?)
“Hai, ikimasu” = Yes, I am going.
“Iie, ikimasen” = No, I am not going.
“Kyo wa kaisha no bonenkai desu.” = Today is the company’s end of year party.
“Konshuumatsu wa tomodachi no bonenkai desu.” = This weekend is my friend’s end of year party. (“Kyo wa _____” = Today is______ ) (“Konshumatsu wa ____” = This weekend is _____ )
“Izakaya wo yoyaku shimashita.” = I made a reservation at a Japanese pub. (“______ wa yoyaku shimashita.” = made a reservation.
“Ichinenkan otsukaresama deshita.” = Thanks for your hard work throughout a year. (“Ichinenkan” = a year) (“Otsukaresama deshita” = This phrase is mostly used in work places to show appreciation and to greet your fellow workers.)
“Kotoshi wa isogashi katta desuka?” = Was it busy this year? (“issogashi katta desuka?” = Was it busy?)
“Totemo isogashi katta desu.” = It was very busy.
“Rainen mo ganbarimasho!” = Let’s make the coming year a good one. (“rainen” = next year) (“ganbarimasho” = Let’s make it good one.)
“Kanpai” = cheers
“Yopparai” = drunkard
“Okawari” = have another one
“Okanjyo” = check