Translation guide
How to express membership in Japanese, including joining, being a member, and membership systems.
会員です。
I am a member.
会員カードはありますか？
Do you have a membership card?
Expressing that someone is a member of a club, organization, team, etc.
The most direct way to say someone is a member. 会員 (かいいん) means 'member'. Replace 〜 with the organization name.
彼はジムの会員です。
He is a member of the gym.
Literally 'has entered', this is a very common way to say someone is a member of a group or organization. It implies ongoing membership.
私はテニス部に入っています。
I'm in the tennis club.
Loanword from English, used for members of a team, group, or band. Often used with だ/です.
彼はチームのメンバーだ。
He is a member of the team.
A more formal term for 'member', often used in phrases like 〜の一員として (as a member of).
社会の一員として責任を果たす。
Fulfill one's responsibility as a member of society.
Referring to a membership system, card, or fee.
Means 'membership system'. Used for clubs, websites, etc. that require membership.
このサイトは会員制です。
This site requires membership.
Membership card. 会員 (member) + カード (card).
会員カードをお持ちですか？
Do you have a membership card?
Membership fee or dues. Used for clubs, associations, etc.
Expressing the action of joining an organization.
To join (a club, society, etc.). Formal, often used for official memberships.
入会したいのですが。
I'd like to become a member.
To enter/join. Very common for joining clubs, teams, etc. Use with に.
サークルに入りたい。
I want to join a club.
To join (an organization, insurance, etc.). More formal than 入る.
保険に加入する。
To take out insurance (literally: join insurance).
入会 (にゅうかい) is specifically for joining a club or society with a membership system. 加入 (かにゅう) is used for joining organizations, insurance, or systems. 入る (はいる) is the most general and casual way to say 'join'.
The English word 'membership' is sometimes used as メンバーシップ in Japanese, but it's not common and can sound unnatural. Use 会員制 or 会員資格 (かいいんしかく) instead for the concept of membership.
How much is the annual membership fee?