会(かい)

かい
noun
meeting; gathering; party; association
1. meeting; gathering; party; get-together
A scheduled gathering of people for a shared purpose — a meeting, party, club session, or event. Often used as a standalone noun with a defining modifier.
会(かい)は何時(なんじ)から？
What time does the gathering start?
今夜(こんや)会(かい)に出席(しゅっせき)します。
I'll attend the meeting tonight.
会(かい)を開(ひら)くために会場(かいじょう)を予約(よやく)した。
I reserved a venue in order to hold the gathering.
2. association; society; club
An organized group of people who meet regularly, such as a club, society, or association. Frequently appears as a suffix on the group's name.
父(ちち)は将棋(しょうぎ)の会(かい)に入(はい)っている。
My father belongs to a shogi club.
地域(ちいき)の会(かい)が清掃(せいそう)活動(かつどう)を主催(しゅさい)している。
A local association sponsors cleanup activities.
この会(かい)は毎月(まいつき)第(だい)二(に)土曜日(どようび)に集(あつ)まることになっています。
This society is set to meet on the second Saturday of every month.

Used both as a standalone noun for a single gathering and as a suffix naming standing organizations. Standalone use usually requires a modifier identifying which gathering.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 会(かい)を開(ひら)く: to hold a meeting/party
  • 会(かい)に出(で)る: to attend a gathering
  • 会(かい)に入(はい)る: to join an association
  • 会(かい)を主催(しゅさい)する: to host an event

COMMON COMPOUNDS (with 会(かい)):

  • 同窓会(どうそうかい): alumni reunion
  • 飲(の)み会(かい): drinking party
  • 忘年会(ぼうねんかい): year-end party
  • 新年会(しんねんかい): new-year party
  • 学会(がっかい): academic society
  • 教会(きょうかい): church
general
Added 2026.5.13 12:03
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