Translation guide
To take part in an activity, event, or group. Japanese uses different verbs depending on the type of participation, such as joining a club, attending a meeting, or entering a competition.
To become a member of a club, team, committee, or similar group.
General verb for participating in an activity or joining a group. Can be used for events, meetings, clubs, etc.
来月の会議に参加します。
I will participate in next month's meeting.
I want to participate in volunteer activities.
Literally 'to enter'. Used for joining a club, team, or organization. More casual than 参加する for joining groups.
サッカー部に入りました。
I joined the soccer club.
会社に入って三年になります。
It's been three years since I joined the company.
Formal term for joining an organization, insurance, or membership. Often used in official contexts.
健康保険に加入する必要があります。
You need to enroll in health insurance.
To be involved in a specific event, competition, or activity.
The most common and versatile verb for participating in events, contests, or activities.
マラソン大会に参加します。
I will participate in the marathon.
そのプロジェクトに参加しませんか？
Would you like to participate in that project?
Specifically for participating in a competition, tournament, or match. Implies entering as a contestant.
オリンピックに出場するのが夢です。
My dream is to participate in the Olympics.
Casual verb meaning 'to appear' or 'to take part'. Used for events, performances, or competitions.
今度のコンサートに出るんだ。
I'm going to participate in the upcoming concert.
Literally 'to go to war'. Used figuratively for entering a fierce competition or battle, like in gaming or business.
新しいゲームの大会に参戦する。
I'm going to participate in the new game tournament.
To be present at a scheduled gathering, lecture, or lesson.
Formal verb for attending a meeting, class, or official function. Emphasizes presence.
明日の会議に出席します。
I will attend tomorrow's meeting.
授業に出席するのは大切です。
Attending class is important.
Can also be used for attending meetings or classes, but 出席する is more precise for attendance.
オンラインセミナーに参加した。
I participated in the online seminar.
Casual way to say you will attend a meeting or class.
午後の会議に出ます。
I'll attend the afternoon meeting.
To join a conversation, debate, or online discussion.
Works for joining discussions, chats, or forums.
話し合いに参加してください。
Please participate in the discussion.
Means 'to join in' a group activity or conversation. Often used when you join something already in progress.
会話に加わってもいいですか？
May I join the conversation?
参加する is the most general 'participate'. 出席する is for formal attendance (meetings, classes). 出場する is for competing in events. Use 参加する when unsure.
会議に参加する（出席する）
participate in (attend) a meeting
試合に出場する
participate in a match
If you are just watching or present without active involvement, use 見学する (observe) or いる (be there) instead of 参加する.
見学してもいいですか？
May I observe?