Translation guide
How to express the idea of being present at an event, school, work, or meeting in Japanese. Includes words for attendance itself, phrases for taking attendance, and ways to talk about presence or absence.
Referring to the act of being present, or the record of presence, especially in schools, workplaces, or events.
The most common word for attendance, especially in schools, meetings, and formal settings. Can refer to the act of attending or the record of attendance.
今日は出席を取ります。
I will take attendance today.
彼は会議に出席した。
He attended the meeting.
Participation or attendance, often used for events, activities, or groups. Implies active involvement rather than just being present.
イベントへの参加は自由です。
Participation in the event is optional.
Attendance and absence; often used in formal contexts like 'attendance record' or 'roll call'. More about the binary state of presence/absence.
出欠を確認します。
I will check attendance (and absences).
The action of checking who is present, often in a classroom or meeting.
Standard phrase for 'take attendance'. Used by teachers or meeting leaders.
先生は毎朝出席を取ります。
The teacher takes attendance every morning.
Literally 'take roll call', often used in military, school trips, or formal group settings where names are called out.
バスの中で点呼を取りました。
We took roll call on the bus.
Referring to the percentage or record of attendance, often in school or work contexts.
Attendance rate. Commonly used in schools and companies.
彼の出席率は90%です。
His attendance rate is 90%.
Attendance register or roll book. The physical or digital record of attendance.
The simple act of being there, often in casual or everyday situations.
Referring to the number of people attending an event, or the act of going to an event.
Spectators or audience. Used for sports, concerts, theater.
観客数は5万人でした。
The attendance was 50,000 people.
Visitors or attendees, often used for exhibitions, trade shows, or events.
来場者数が去年より増えました。
The number of attendees increased compared to last year.
Expressing not being present, often needed alongside attendance.
Absence. The direct opposite of 出席. Used in formal contexts.
欠席の場合は連絡してください。
Please contact us if you will be absent.
Rest, holiday, or absence. More casual and general than 欠席.
出席 (shusseki) is used for formal attendance where presence is recorded, like school or meetings. 参加 (sanka) implies active participation, like joining a club or event. Use 出席 for roll-call situations, 参加 for voluntary involvement.
会議に出席する (formal presence)
attend a meeting (be present)
イベントに参加する (active participation)
participate in an event
In casual conversation, saying '出席する' for 'I'll be there' can sound stiff. Instead, use 行く (iku, go) or いる (iru, be there). Reserve 出席 for formal contexts.
出席簿に名前を書いてください。
Please write your name in the attendance register.
パーティーにちょっと顔を出した。
I dropped by the party for a bit.
今日は学校を休みました。
I was absent from school today.