参与

• Pinyin: cān yù
• Hanzi breakdown: 参 = compound character (see 参考); 与 = simplified form of 與, originally depicting hands working together

Meaning

To participate in; to be involved in. Describes active engagement in an activity, project, or discussion.

More formal than 参加 and often implies deeper involvement or contribution rather than mere attendance. Commonly used in professional, organizational, and civic contexts. Can be followed directly by an activity or project noun.

Examples

1. 所有员工都可以参与这次公司的活动。 All employees can participate in this company event.
2. 她积极参与了社区的志愿者工作。 She actively participated in the community volunteer work.
3. 只有参与讨论的人才能投票。 Only those who participated in the discussion can vote.

Usage Guide

Context: professional, organizational, civic

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 欢迎大家积极参与讨论。(Everyone is welcome to actively participate in the discussion.)
• 他参与了整个项目的策划。(He was involved in planning the entire project.)

Don't Say

• 我想参与你的生日聚会 (For casual social events, use 参加 instead of 参与 — 参与 is too formal for a birthday party)

Origin & History

参 means to join or take part; 与 means to be with or to give. Together they convey the sense of joining in with others.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal