Translation and Meaning of: 受付 - uketsuke

If you have ever entered a building in Japan, you have certainly encountered a counter called 受付 (うけつけ). This little word is everywhere, from hotels to medical clinics, and carries a meaning that is much more interesting than it seems at first glance. In this article, we will explore the etymology, its use in everyday Japanese, and even tips for memorizing this kanji without suffering. On top of that, you will also get ready-made sentences to add to your Anki and boost your studies!

Many people search on Google for the basic translation of 受付 as "reception desk," but the story behind this term goes beyond that. The kanji 受 (receive) + 付 (attach) already provides a hint of what this word represents: a point of acceptance, where things — or people — are "received and attached" to a system. Want to find out why the Japanese use this expression so much and how it fits into their culture? Let's go!

The origin and the kanji of 受付

The two ideograms that form 受付 are a killer combination. The first, 受 (うけ), comes from the verb ukeru (to receive), the same one that appears in 受信 (receiving signal) or 受験 (taking a test). The second, 付 (つけ), is the same as in 付き合い (relationship) and conveys the idea of something that is "connected" or "attached." Together, they paint the perfect picture: a place where you are received and, literally, "connected" to the location.

Interestingly, the pictogram 受 shows one hand (又) ing something to another hand (爪) under a roof (冖). On the other hand, 付 has the radical for person (亻) next to the symbol 寸, which used to represent a hand giving something. It's no wonder that many Japanese teachers joke that 受付 is where "hands meet" — whether to pick up a form or receive instructions.

Where and how to use 受付 in everyday life

In Japan, 受付 is as essential as rice. In hospitals, it’s the first place where you show your health insurance. At events, it’s where you pick up your badge. Even in onsens, there is a 受付 to pay the entrance fee and get your towel. Unlike Brazil, where we often enter establishments directly, there this counter functions as an organization filter — and the Japanese take this seriously.

A practical tip: when you see the sign 受付中 (うけつけちゅう), it means that the service is open. If you hear 受付は終了しました, run — the service has just closed. And be careful with the false cognate: although "reception" in English resembles "recepção", in Japan 受付 has bureaucratic functions that go beyond a simple "hi, welcome".

Tips to never forget again

To memorize the kanji 受, imagine someone under an umbrella (the radical 冖) receiving (又) a gift with both hands. On the other hand, 付 can be associated with the idea of a person (亻) sticking (寸) a sticker onto something. A friend of mine decorated with a phrase: "At the 受付, you receive (受) what is stuck (付) on your form." Since then, she never confused them again!

If you're practicing writing, notice that 受 has 8 strokes and 付 has 5 — and both are simpler than they seem. A great sentence to jot down in your study notebook: 受付で名前を書いてください ("Please write your name at the reception"). This way, you memorize the vocabulary in a real context, just as the Japanese actually use it.