集会

• Pinyin: jí huì
• Hanzi breakdown: 集 = 隹 + 木 (bird + tree — birds gathering on a tree; to assemble); 会 = 人 + 云 (person + speak — people coming together to meet)

Meaning

An assembly; a gathering; to assemble or convene in a group. Refers to organised meetings or gatherings of people for a common purpose.

Covers both formal public assemblies (political rallies, commemorations) and informal large gatherings. In legal contexts, 集会 is regulated by law (集会游行示威法). 集会自由 (freedom of assembly) is a key civil rights concept.

Examples

1. 宪法保障公民享有合法集会和言论自由的基本权利。 The constitution guarantees citizens the basic rights to lawful assembly and freedom of speech.
2. 广场上的纪念集会吸引了数万名市民自发前来，场面庄严肃穆。 The memorial assembly in the square drew tens of thousands of residents who came on their own, and the atmosphere was solemn and dignified.
3. 未经批准擅自组织大规模集会可能触犯相关法律法规，需要谨慎对待。 Organizing a large assembly without approval may violate relevant laws and regulations, so it must be handled with caution.

Usage Guide

Context: law, civil rights, politics, social events

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 依法举行的集会是公民表达意见、参与公共事务的重要渠道，政府有义务依法予以保障。(Assemblies conducted in accordance with the law are an important channel for citizens to express opinions and participate in public affairs; the government is obligated to protect this right.)
• 这次大规模的纪念集会以和平、有序的方式进行，获得了各界人士的广泛好评。(This large-scale commemorative assembly was conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner, receiving widespread praise from people in all walks of life.)

Don't Say

• 随便集会 — 集会 in Chinese law carries specific legal implications; using 随便 implies careless illegality; use 自发组织集会 for spontaneous but lawful gatherings

Origin & History

集 (gather/assemble) + 会 (meeting/gathering)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal