出席

しゅっせきする

attendance

JLPT N4

Character Breakdown

Usage of 出席

The verb 出席 (chūxí) specifically means "to attend" or "to be present" at formal events such as meetings, lectures, ceremonies, or official gatherings. It emphasizes physical presence at a designated place or event.

Common Contexts

出席 is often used in professional, academic, or formal social contexts. For example, attending a company meeting (出席会议), a school assembly, or a conference.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 出席会议 (attend a meeting): the most common collocation, used in work or organizational contexts.
  • 出席典礼 (attend a ceremony): used for formal events like graduations or openings.
  • 按时出席 (attend on time): emphasizes punctuality.

Nuances

Using 出席 implies an obligation or expectation to be present. It is more formal than simply "" (to go) or "参加" (to participate), focusing on presence rather than participation level.

Common Confusion

出席 vs 参加: 出席 stresses physical presence, while 参加 emphasizes active participation or involvement. For example, you can 出席 a meeting without speaking, but 参加 implies engagement.

Example Sentences

He must attend the company's annual meeting today.

All members need to attend the meeting on time.

She couldn't attend today's lecture because she was sick.