Meaning and Usage
「協会」(きょうかい) refers to an organized group or society formed for a specific purpose, such as professional, cultural, or social activities. It is often used for formal organizations that have members and official activities.
Common Contexts
You will frequently see 「協会」 used in names of organizations like "日本音楽協会" (Japan Music Association) or "スポーツ協会" (Sports Association). It implies a structured group with rules and membership.
Collocations and Patterns
- 協会に入会する: to join an association; used when becoming a member.
- 協会の規則: association's rules; refers to official guidelines.
- 協会を設立する: to establish an association; used when founding a new organization.
Register and Nuance
The word is formal and used in official or professional contexts. It is not used for casual clubs or informal groups.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 「協会」 with 「教会」 (church) because of similar pronunciation. Remember 「協会」 relates to associations or societies, not religious buildings.