Meaning and Usage
The suffix ～界 (～かい) is used to refer to a specific world, circle, or field of activity or interest. It often denotes a professional or social domain, such as the entertainment world (芸能界), academic world (学界), or sports world (スポーツ界).
Common Collocations
- 芸能界 (げいのうかい): entertainment industry
- 学界 (がっかい): academic community
- 政界 (せいかい): political world
- スポーツ界 (スポーツかい): sports world
These collocations are frequently used to talk about groups of people involved in a particular profession or social sphere.
Register and Nuance
This suffix is formal and often used in news, reports, or formal conversations. It implies a recognized, established community or field.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse ～界 with ～界隈 (～かいわい), which means neighborhood or vicinity. Remember that ～界 refers to a social or professional sphere, not a physical area.