招待

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: Spelling: 招待. Reading: しょうたい. Core meaning: invitation; to invite.
• Basic usage: Representative examples: 友人を誕生日会に招待しました / 展覧会への招待を手紙で受けた.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Verb and invitation noun
  • Inviting a person to an event is 招待する, while an invitation received is expressed with the noun in 招待を受ける. Distinguish it from 予約, making a reservation.