会合

• Reading: かいごう
• Romaji: kaigou
• Kanji breakdown: 会 (kai) — meet, gathering; 合 (gou) — join, match
• Pronunciation: /ka.i.ɡoː/

Meaning

Meeting; assembly; gathering. A formal or semi-formal occasion where people come together to discuss matters.

A noun that also functions as a suru verb (会合する). More formal than 会議 (kaigi, business meeting) and carries a sense of people gathering from different places. Used for political assemblies, community meetings, and organisational gatherings. Often implies a planned event rather than a casual get-together.

Examples

1. 来月の会合の日程が決まった。 The date for next month's meeting has been set.
2. 地域の会合に参加してきた。 I attended a community gathering.
3. 重要な会合があるので早く帰ります。 I need to head home early because I have an important meeting.

Usage Guide

Context: community, politics, organisations

Tone: formal

Origin & History

Compound of 会 (kai, to meet) and 合 (gou, to join/gather). A doubling of the 'coming together' concept — emphasising that multiple parties actively gather at one place.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal