Translation and Meaning of: 大会 - taikai

The Japanese word 大会 (たいかい) is a common term that you can find in various contexts, from sporting events to academic competitions. If you are learning Japanese or simply curious about the meaning and use of this expression, this article will help you understand how it is applied in daily life and its importance in Japanese culture. Let's explore everything from its basic translation to practical examples of usage.

In addition to uncovering the meaning of 大会, let's analyze how this word is perceived by native speakers, its frequency in everyday conversations, and even some tips to memorize it more easily. If you've ever wondered what it means when someone talks about "undoukai" (運動会) or "bunkasai" (文化祭), know that all of this is related to the concept of 大会. Shall we begin?

What does 大会 mean and how to use it?

大会 is composed of two kanji: 大 (big) and 会 (meeting, gathering). Together, they form the idea of a "big event" or "convention," usually involving competitions, tournaments, or assemblies. This word is often used to describe sporting championships, such as judo tournaments or school festivals, but it can also refer to business conferences or large-scale gatherings.

In Japan, it's common to hear terms like スポーツ大会 (supōtsu taikai) for sports events or 学芸大会 (gakugei taikai) for school cultural festivals. The word carries a formal tone and is widely recognized throughout the country, being used in both professional contexts and more casual situations, such as local event announcements.

The origin and evolution of the term

The combination of the kanjis 大 and 会 is not recent – it dates back to the classic use of literary Chinese, which profoundly influenced Japanese vocabulary. Originally, the term was used in more solemn contexts, such as government assemblies or important ceremonies. Over time, its meaning expanded to encompass any type of large-scale event, especially those with a competitive or celebratory character.

It is worth noting that although 大会 is an old word, it remains extremely relevant in modern Japanese. Unlike other terms that have fallen out of use, this expression has adapted to the new times, being applied even in e-sports competitions and other contemporary events.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to memorize 大会 is to associate it with well-known events. For example, the famous 全国高校野球選手権大会 (Zenkokukōkō Yakyū Senshuken Taikai) is the national high school baseball tournament in Japan, widely televised. Remembering this championship helps to not only engrave the word but also its use in real contexts.

Another tip is to pay attention to how the Japanese media uses the term. News about the Olympics, for example, often uses 大会 to refer to the games. If you watch anime or dramas, you've probably heard this word in scenes of school tournaments or competitions. Observing these examples in daily life makes it easier to internalize the vocabulary.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 大会 (Taikai) - Large-scale Competition/Event
• 大会議 (Taikai gi) - Big conference
• 大会場 (Taikaijo) - Great event venue
• 大会堂 (Taikaidou) - Large event hall/building
• 大会所 (Taikaisyo) - Venue for major events
• 大会場所 (Taikaibasho) - Specific location for large events
• 大会場地 (Taikaijouchi) - Large event area
• 大会室 (Taikaishitsu) - Meeting Room
• 大会場面 (Taikaibamen) - Scene of a big event
• 大会場合 (Taikaibagai) - Conditions of a major event
• 大会場合所 (Taikaibagaisyo) - Suitable venue for large events
• 大会場合室 (Taikaibagaisitsu) - Room intended for large events
• 大会場合堂 (Taikaibagaidou) - Large hall for event occasions
• 大会場合議 (Taikaibagagi) - Discussion about the large-scale event
• 大会場合場 (Taikaibagaijou) - Place for discussions of major events
• 大会場合場所 (Taikaibagaisyo) - Specific location for the discussion of major events
• 大会場合場地 (Taikaibagajouchi) - Discussion area for large events
• 大会場合場面 (Taikaibagabamen) - Scene of a major event situation
• 大会場合場合 (Taikaibagabaai) - Different situations at a large event
• 大会場合所面 (Taikaibagabasho) - Aspect of the location of large event situations
• 大会場合室面 (Taikaibagashitsu) - Aspect of the room in large event situations
• 大会場合堂面 (Taikaibagadou) - Aspect of the hall in large event situations
• 大会場合議面 (Taikaibagagi) - Aspect of discussions on large events

大会

Romaji: taikai
Kana: たいかい
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: Convention; tournament; mass meeting; Rally

Meaning in English: convention;tournament;mass meeting;rally

Definition: An event, such as a competition or match, where people gather for a specific purpose and compete.

Example Sentences - (大会) taikai

See below some example sentences:

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

今週末に大会があります。

Konshūmatsu ni taikai ga arimasu

There is a tournament this weekend.

There is a tournament this weekend.

• 今週末 - current weekend
• に - Particle indicating time or place
• 大会 - competition, tournament
• が - particle indicating the subject of the sentence
• あります - verb "to exist", indicating that the competition will take place

私は明日の大会に出場します。

Watashi wa ashita no taikai ni shutsujō shimasu

I will compete in tomorrow's tournament.

I will participate in tomorrow's tournament.

• 私 - personal pronoun "I"
• は - topic particle, indicates that the subject of the sentence is "me"
• 明日 - adverb of time "tomorrow"
• の - possessive particle, indicates that "tomorrow" belongs to the next word
• 大会 - noun "competition"
• に - destination particle, indicates that "competition" is the destination of the action
• 出場 - verb "to participate"
• します - polite form of the verb "to do"