部活動(ぶかつどう)

ぶかつどう
noun
club activities; extracurricular activities
education
See also: 部活(ぶかつ) (abbreviation)
1. club activities; extracurricular activities
Organized extracurricular activities at schools, typically sports teams, cultural clubs, or academic groups. A defining feature of Japanese school life from middle school through university.
部活動(ぶかつどう)は何(なに)をしていますか。
What club activities do you participate in?
放課後(ほうかご)は毎日(まいにち)部活動(ぶかつどう)がある。
There are club activities every day after school.
中学校(ちゅうがっこう)では部活動(ぶかつどう)への参加(さんか)がほぼ必須(ひっす)とされている。
In middle school, participation in club activities is practically required.

Often shortened to 部活(ぶかつ) in everyday speech. This is one of the most distinctive aspects of Japanese school culture, with students expected to commit seriously to a single club throughout the school year.

Common collocations

  • 部活動(ぶかつどう)に入(はい)る (to join a club)
  • 部活動(ぶかつどう)を辞(や)める (to quit a club)
  • 部活動(ぶかつどう)に励(はげ)む (to devote oneself to club activities)

Usage

部活動(ぶかつどう) is the formal term used in school documents and by teachers. Students almost always say 部活(ぶかつ) in conversation.

general
Added 2026.3.2 15:24 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
14500/14539_bukatsudou