Meaning and Usage
The word 司会 (しかい) refers to a host or chairperson who leads or manages an event, meeting, or program. It is commonly used for formal or semi-formal occasions such as weddings, TV shows, conferences, and ceremonies.
Common Contexts
司会 is often paired with words like 式 (ceremony), 会議 (meeting), and 番組 (program) to specify the event being hosted. The person acting as 司会 is responsible for guiding the flow, introducing speakers, and keeping the event organized.
Collocations and Patterns
- 司会を務める: to serve as the host or chairperson
- 司会者: the person who acts as the host
- 司会を引き受ける: to accept the role of host
Register and Nuance
司会 is a polite and neutral term suitable for formal and professional settings. It is not casual and is rarely used for informal gatherings.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 司会 with 進行 (しんこう), which means progress or proceeding. Remember that 司会 specifically refers to the person managing the event, not the event's progress itself.