仲間入(なかまい)り

仲間入(なかまい)り means joining a group or being accepted into a category. A compound of 仲間(なかま) (companion/group) + 入(い)り (entering).

Common patterns

• 仲間入(なかまい)りをする: to join the ranks of ~
• 仲間入(なかまい)りを果(は)たす: to achieve membership in ~
• 〜の仲間入(なかまい)りができる: to be able to join ~

Usage

Often used figuratively to describe reaching a milestone or entering an elite category, not just literal group membership.

• 先進国(せんしんこく)の仲間入(なかまい)り: joining the ranks of developed nations
• 億万長者(おくまんちょうじゃ)の仲間入(なかまい)り: entering the ranks of billionaires
• 大人(おとな)の仲間入(なかまい)り: becoming an adult (figurative)

Similar words

• 加入(かにゅう): joining, enrollment (formal, for organizations/subscriptions)
• 参加(さんか): participation (for activities/events)
• 入会(にゅうかい): joining a club/association