Translation and Meaning of: 開催 - kaisai

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about the language, you may have come across the word 開催[かいさい]. It appears frequently in events, announcements, and even in everyday conversations in Japan. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and practical uses, as well as understand how this word is culturally perceived. If you are looking for a reliable dictionary to deepen your studies, Suki Nihongo is a great option to consult terms like this.

Meaning and translation of 開催

The term 開催 means "holding" or "promotion" of an event, such as festivals, conferences, or competitions. It is composed of the kanji 開 (open) and 催 (promote), which together reinforce the idea of organizing something for the public. In English, it can be translated as "to hold," "to organize," or "to promote," depending on the context.

In Japan, it is common to see 開催 on event posters or at train stations announcing exhibitions. For example, if you encounter the phrase 展覧会を開催する, it means that an exhibition is being held. This word is essential for those who want to understand announcements or participate in cultural activities in the country.

Origin and Cultural Use

The origin of 開催 dates back to the Meiji period, when Japan underwent modernization and adopted more formal terms for public events. The kanjis were chosen for their clarity: 開 indicates opening, while 催 suggests the action of gathering people. Together, they convey the notion of an event that is open to the public.

Culturally, the term is associated with organized occasions, from traditional festivals to modern conventions. It carries a more formal tone than words like やる (to do), being preferred in official contexts. Its usage is so common that you will hardly spend a week in Japan without seeing it somewhere.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to memorize 開催 is to associate it with events you already know. Think of festivals like Hanami or Comic Market – they are all 開催される (held). Repeating phrases like イベントを開催する also helps to solidify the term in your vocabulary.

Another tip is to observe the kanjis separately: 開 appears in words like 開始 (start) and 催 in 主催 (organization). This decomposition makes it easier to understand the overall meaning. With practice, you will start to recognize 開催 naturally in signs and conversations.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 実施 (Jisshi) - Implementation, execution of a plan or project.
• 行う (Okonau) - Execute, carry out an action or activity.
• 催す (Mosasu) - Sponsoring, organizing an event or activity.
• 開催する (Kaisai suru) - To be performed, usually used for formal events.
• 実行する (Jikkou suru) - Put into practice, execute as planned.

開催

Romaji: kaisai
Kana: かいさい
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: holding a meeting; open an exhibition

Meaning in English: holding a meeting;open an exhibition

Definition: To perform an event or to hold an event.

Example Sentences - (開催) kaisai

See below some example sentences:

盛大な祭りが開催されました。

Seidai na matsuri ga kaisai sa remashita

A great festival was held.

A great festival was held.

• 盛大な - magnificent
• 祭り - festival
• が - subject particle
• 開催 - realization
• されました - was carried out

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

会合を開催しましょう。

Kaigo wo kaisai shimashou

Let's hold a meeting.

• 会合 - means "gathering" or "meeting".
• を - direct object particle.
• 開催 - means "to carry out" or "to organize".
• しましょう - polite form of the verb "する" (to do).

私たちは屋敷でパーティーを開催します。

Watashitachi wa yashiki de paatii o kaisai shimasu

Let's hold a party at the mansion.

• 私たち - 私たち
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 屋敷 - "mansion" or "residence" in Japanese
• で - Location particle in Japanese
• パーティー - "party" in Japanese, written in katakana (one of the Japanese writing systems)
• を - Direct object particle in Japanese
• 開催します - "realize" or "organize" in Japanese