同好会

• Reading: どうこうかい
• Romaji: doukoukai
• Kanji breakdown: 同 (dou) — same; 好 (kou) — like, prefer; 会 (kai) — association, meeting
• Pronunciation: /doː.koː.kai/

Meaning

A club or association of people who share the same hobby or interest.

A noun referring to an informal group formed around a shared interest. Distinguished from 部活 (school club with official status) in that 同好会 is typically less formal, with fewer obligations and no competitive goals. Common in schools, universities, and workplaces. Examples include 写真同好会 (photography club), テニス同好会 (tennis club), and 読書同好会 (book club). Some 同好会 aspire to become officially recognised 部活.

Examples

1. 会社の登山同好会に入って毎月山に登っている。 I joined the company's hiking club and go climbing every month.
2. 大学で映画同好会を立ち上げた。 I started a film club at college.
3. この同好会は初心者も歓迎しているので気軽に参加できる。 This club welcomes beginners, so anyone can join easily.

Usage Guide

Context: school, university, workplace, hobbies

Tone: casual

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 同 (dou, same) + 好 (kou, to like/prefer) + 会 (kai, association/meeting). Literally 'same-liking association,' describing a group united by a shared passion or hobby.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Young adults

Social background: Universal