Translation and Meaning of: 参加 - sanka

The Japanese word 参加 [さんか] is a common term that appears in various everyday contexts, from work meetings to social events. If you are studying Japanese or just curious about the language, understanding its meaning, usage, and cultural nuances can be very helpful. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, how it is written, and in which situations it is typically used.

In addition to being a common word in the Japanese vocabulary, 参加 also reflects important aspects of local culture, such as the appreciation of collective participation. Whether at traditional festivals or in school activities, the Japanese often encourage active involvement from people. Let's explore more about this expression and how it connects with the way of life in Japan.

Meaning and use of 参加 [さんか]

In its most direct translation, 参加 means "participation" or "attendance." It is composed of the kanjis 参 (san), which can indicate involvement or visit, and 加 (ka), which represents addition or inclusion. Together, these characters convey the idea of joining something, whether it be an event, a group, or an activity.

In daily life, this word appears in situations like party invitations, registrations for workshops, or even in notices for condominium meetings. For example, it is common to see phrases like "会議に参加します" (Kaigi ni sanka shimasu), which means "I will participate in the meeting." Its use is so frequent that it is considered an essential vocabulary for anyone who wants to communicate well in Japanese.

The cultural importance of participation in Japan

In Japan, the notion of participation goes beyond the simple act of being present. There is a strong sense of collective responsibility, where each individual is encouraged to contribute actively. Local festivals, for example, rely on community involvement to take place, and schools encourage students to participate in clubs and extracurricular activities.

This is reflected in the use of the word 参加, which carries a tone of engagement and commitment. When someone says they will "sanka suru" (participate), there is usually an expectation that this person will be truly involved, not just physically present. This cultural aspect helps explain why the term is so relevant in the Japanese language.

Tips for memorizing and using 参加 correctly

An effective way to fix this word is to associate it with practical situations. If you attend Japanese classes, for example, you can practice saying "今日の授業に参加します" (Kyou no jugyou ni sanka shimasu – "I will participate in today’s class"). Repeating the term in real contexts helps internalize its meaning and pronunciation.

Another tip is to pay attention to the kanjis that make up the word. The character 参 appears in other related terms, such as 参る (mairu – "to visit" in humble language), while 加 is present in terms like 追加 (tsuika – "addition"). Recognizing these patterns makes learning not only 参加 easier but also other words in the language.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 参加する (sankasuru) - to participate
• 参加者 (sankasha) - Participant
• 出席する (shusseki suru) - Attend (usually formal events)
• 加わる (kawaru) - Join
• 参加費 (sankahi) - Cost of participation
• 参加条件 (sankajouken) - Participation conditions
• 参加者募集 (sankasha boshu) - Recruitment of participants
• 参加者数 (sankasha suu) - Number of participants
• 参加者名簿 (sankasha meibo) - Participant list
• 参加者決定 (sankasha kettei) - Decision of the participants
• 参加者発表 (sankasha happyou) - Announcement of participants
• 参加者追加 (sankasha tsuika) - Addition of participants
• 参加者減少 (sankasha genshou) - Reduction of participants
• 参加者増加 (sankasha zouka) - Increase in participants
• 参加者交流 (sankasha kouryuu) - Interaction between participants
• 参加者同士 (sankasha doushi) - Among participants

参加

Romaji: sanka
Kana: さんか
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: participation

Meaning in English: participation

Definition: to participate together.

Example Sentences - (参加) sanka

See below some example sentences:

研修に参加する

Kenshū ni sanka suru

Participate in training.

Participate in training

• 研修 (kenshū) - training, improvement course
• に (ni) - particle that indicates destination or location of action
• 参加する (sanka suru) - participate

是非とも参加してください。

Shihai tomo sanka shite kudasai

Please participate at all costs.

Please join us.

• 是非とも - expression that means "by all means," "in any way"
• 参加 - verb that means "to participate"
• してください - expression that means "please, do"

弁論大会に参加したいです。

Benron taikai ni sanka shitai desu

I want to participate in a public speaking contest.

I want to participate in the speech tournament.

• 弁論大会 - public speaking event
• に - particle indicating destination or location
• 参加 - participation
• したい - to want to do
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

コンテストに参加する。

Kontesuto ni sanka suru

Participate in a contest.

Participate in the contest.

• コンテスト - Japanese word meaning "contest" or "competition"
• に - Japanese particle indicating action or movement towards a place or goal
• 参加する - verb in Japanese meaning "participate"

今週末に開催されるイベントに参加する予定です。

Konnshūmatsu ni kaisai sareru ibento ni sanka suru yotei desu

We plan to participate in events to be held this weekend.

• 今週末に開催される - event to be held this weekend
• イベント - event
• に - particle that indicates the target or destination of an action
• 参加する - participate
• 予定です - I plan to do

会議に参加します。

Kaigi ni sanka shimasu

I will attend the meeting.

• 会議 (kaigi) - meeting
• に (ni) - particle indicating location
• 参加します (sanka shimasu) - participate

座談会に参加する予定です。

Zadankai ni sanka suru yotei desu

I am planning to attend a discussion meeting.

I intend to participate in a round table.

• 座談会 - discussion meeting
• に - particle indicating the place or time in which something occurs
• 参加する - participate
• 予定 - plan, schedule
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

是非とも参加したいです。

Shihitsu tomo sanka shitai desu

I definitely want to participate.

• 是非とも - expression that means "in any way," "at all costs"
• 参加 - noun that means "participation"
• したい - the form of the verb "suru" (to do) in the present tense and in the desire to do something means "to want to do"
• です - sentence-final particle that indicates respect and politeness

盛装で参加します。

Mōsō de sanka shimasu

I will participate dressed in gala.

I will participate in the dress.

• 盛装 - formal or elegant attire
• で - particle that indicates means or instrument
• 参加 - participation
• します - verb "to do" conjugated in the polite form

私は毎週ゼミに参加しています。

Watashi wa maishuu zemi ni sanka shiteimasu

I participate in the seminar every week.

I participate in the seminar every week.

• 私 (watashi) - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 毎週 (maishuu) - Japanese adverb meaning "every week"
• ゼミ (zemi) - Japanese noun meaning "seminar"
• に (ni) - particle indicating a directing action or destination
• 参加しています (sanka shiteimasu) - Japanese verb meaning "to participate" and conjugated in the present continuous tense