飲み会

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 飲み会 (のみかい) is a noun for a social gathering centered on drinking.
• Basic usage: It is used for an after-work drinking party or a gathering with friends where people talk over drinks.
  • 仕事の後の飲み会には参加しなかった。 — I did not attend the after-work drinking party.
  • 友人との飲み会で昔の話をした。 — At a gathering with friends, we shared old stories.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Drinking party and general gathering
  • 飲み会 includes drinking as part of the event, while 集まり more broadly names a gathering whether or not alcohol is involved.