Translation guide
A small group meeting for focused study or discussion, often in academic or professional settings. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is ゼミ (zemi), borrowed from German 'Seminar', used mainly for university seminar classes. Other terms exist for different contexts.
A regular small-group class at a university where students research, present, and discuss a topic under a professor's guidance.
The standard term for a university seminar. Short for ゼミナール. Used for both the class itself and the group.
I have a seminar every Tuesday.
ゼミの教授はとても厳しいです。
The seminar professor is very strict.
The full form of ゼミ, slightly more formal. Used in official course titles or descriptions.
この大学では多くのゼミナールが開講されています。
Many seminars are offered at this university.
A formal term for a seminar or practicum, often used in course names (e.g., 演習I). More academic than ゼミ.
来学期は演習を取るつもりです。
I plan to take a seminar next semester.
A one-time or short-term event where experts or professionals gather to discuss a specific topic, often with presentations.
The general term for a seminar, workshop, or training session in business, academic, or public contexts. Not typically used for regular university classes.
明日、マーケティングのセミナーに参加します。
I will attend a marketing seminar tomorrow.
このセミナーは初心者向けです。
This seminar is for beginners.
A workshop or short course focused on practical skills or training. Often used for hands-on sessions.
A research meeting or study group, often academic. Implies ongoing research discussion rather than a one-off event.
Any small group meeting for study or discussion, not necessarily tied to a university or formal event.
A study group or study session. Informal and widely used for any gathering to learn or practice something together.
友達と英語の勉強会を開いています。
I hold an English study seminar with friends.
A reading group or book club, a type of seminar focused on discussing books.
ゼミ (zemi) is almost exclusively used for regular university seminar classes. セミナー (seminā) is used for one-time or short-term workshops, training sessions, and public lectures. Using セミナー for a university class can sound odd.
大学のゼミは週に一度です。
My university seminar is once a week.
会社でセミナーを開催します。
We will hold a seminar at the company.
If you are talking about a recurring university class, use ゼミ or 演習. セミナー implies a special event, not a weekly course.
週末に料理の講習会があります。
There is a cooking seminar/workshop this weekend.
来月、歴史の研究会で発表します。
I will present at a history seminar next month.
毎月、哲学の読書会をしています。
We have a philosophy reading seminar every month.