In 15 Seconds
- Used to say you are attending a formal or scheduled event.
- Combines 'attendance' (shusseki) with the verb 'to do' (suru).
- Best for meetings, classes, weddings, and official ceremonies.
Meaning
This phrase is the standard way to say you are showing up or being present at an event, like a meeting, a class, or a wedding. It literally means 'to do attendance' and is your go-to for confirming you'll be there.
Key Examples
3 of 6Confirming attendance at a business meeting
明日の会議に出席をします。
I will attend tomorrow's meeting.
RSVPing to a friend's wedding
結婚式に出席をさせていただきます。
I will humbly attend the wedding ceremony.
Telling a teacher you'll be in class
今日の授業には出席をします。
I will be attending today's class.
Cultural Background
Attendance is strictly monitored. Students have an 'attendance book' ({出席簿|しゅっせきぼ}), and reaching 100% attendance is a major goal for many. Even if you have nothing to say, attending a meeting shows respect for the group and the process. 'Silent attendance' is common. When you receive a {招待状|しょうたいじょう} (invitation), you must circle {出席|しゅっせき} or {欠席|けっせき}. It is polite to cross out the honorific 'Go' in '{御出席|ごしゅっせき}' before returning it. With the rise of Zoom, {出席|しゅっせき} now includes virtual presence. However, some older managers still feel 'real' {出席|しゅっせき} must be in person.
The RSVP Rule
In Japan, if you say you will {出席|しゅっせき}, it is a firm commitment. Canceling at the last minute is much more frowned upon than in many Western cultures.
Don't 'Attend' People
Remember, you attend events, not people. You can't '{田中|たなか}さんに{出席|しゅっせき}する'.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to say you are attending a formal or scheduled event.
- Combines 'attendance' (shusseki) with the verb 'to do' (suru).
- Best for meetings, classes, weddings, and official ceremonies.
What It Means
Think of 出席をする as the official way to say 'I'm going.' While English uses 'attend,' Japanese uses a noun-verb combo. 出席 means 'attendance' and をする means 'to do.' Together, they mean you are physically showing up where you're expected. It is clear, polite, and very common.
How To Use It
You usually pair this with the particle に to show what you are attending. For example, 会議に出席をする means 'I will attend the meeting.' You can also drop the を to make it 出席する. This is a bit more common in fast speech. It works perfectly in both polite and casual forms.
When To Use It
Use this for scheduled events where someone might be taking a headcount. It is perfect for school classes or business meetings. It is also the standard word for formal events like weddings or funerals. If you are RSVPing to an invitation, this is the word you want. It shows you take the event seriously.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for casual hangouts with friends. If you're going to a bar, use 行く. Using 出席をする for a movie date sounds like you're filing a tax return. It’s also not for 'attending' a place like a park or a store. Only use it for organized gatherings or ceremonies.
Cultural Background
In Japan, showing up is often considered more important than what you actually do there. Being present shows respect for the host or the organization. There is a strong culture of 'perfect attendance' (皆勤) in schools and companies. Even if you just sit quietly, your physical presence is a sign of commitment. It’s the ultimate way to show you are part of the group.
Common Variations
You will often see ご出席 on formal invitations. The ご is a polite prefix added by the host. When you reply, you cross out the ご to stay humble. In casual texts, you might just say 出席するよ to a classmate. If you're skipping, the opposite is 欠席をする (to be absent).
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral-to-formal. In very casual settings, it can sound a bit stiff, so use `行く` (go) for friends. Always use `に` to mark the event you are attending.
The RSVP Rule
In Japan, if you say you will {出席|しゅっせき}, it is a firm commitment. Canceling at the last minute is much more frowned upon than in many Western cultures.
Don't 'Attend' People
Remember, you attend events, not people. You can't '{田中|たなか}さんに{出席|しゅっせき}する'.
The Power of Silence
In Japanese meetings, {出席|しゅっせき} is often enough. You don't always need to speak to be considered a valuable 'attendee'.
Examples
6明日の会議に出席をします。
I will attend tomorrow's meeting.
A standard, professional way to confirm your schedule to a boss.
結婚式に出席をさせていただきます。
I will humbly attend the wedding ceremony.
Uses a humble verb form to show deep respect for the couple.
今日の授業には出席をします。
I will be attending today's class.
Simple and clear for a school setting.
ゼミに出席をする？
Are you attending the seminar?
Casual question mark usage among peers.
猫の誕生会に出席をします！
I am attending the cat's birthday party!
Using a formal word for a silly event creates a funny contrast.
卒業式に出席をすることにしました。
I have decided to attend the graduation ceremony.
Expresses a firm decision for a significant life event.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct particle and verb form.
{明日|あした}の{会議|かいぎ}（ ）{出席|しゅっせき}（ ）。
The event is marked with 'ni', and the verb is 'o shimasu'.
Which situation is NOT appropriate for {出席|しゅっせき}をする?
Choose the wrong context:
Going to a convenience store with a friend is too casual for 'shusseki'.
Complete the RSVP response.
A: {招待状|しょうたいじょう}、ありがとうございます。 B: はい、喜んで（ ）。
'Shusseki o shimasu' is the standard way to confirm attendance.
Match the phrase to the meaning.
1. {出席|しゅっせき}をする, 2. {欠席|けっせき}をする, 3. {参加|さんか}をする
Shusseki = Attend, Kesseki = Absent, Sanka = Participate.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Attendance vs Participation
Practice Bank
4 exercises{明日|あした}の{会議|かいぎ}（ ）{出席|しゅっせき}（ ）。
The event is marked with 'ni', and the verb is 'o shimasu'.
Choose the wrong context:
Going to a convenience store with a friend is too casual for 'shusseki'.
A: {招待状|しょうたいじょう}、ありがとうございます。 B: はい、喜んで（ ）。
'Shusseki o shimasu' is the standard way to confirm attendance.
1. {出席|しゅっせき}をする, 2. {欠席|けっせき}をする, 3. {参加|さんか}をする
Shusseki = Attend, Kesseki = Absent, Sanka = Participate.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsYes, it is perfectly natural to use {出席|しゅっせき}をする for virtual meetings.
{出席|しゅっせき} is about being present (like in a seat), while {参加|さんか} is about joining an activity.
Yes, {出席|しゅっせき}する is very common and slightly less formal than {出席|しゅっせき}をする.
Use the word {欠席|けっせき}. For example: '{昨日|きのう}は{欠席|けっせき}しました。'
Usually, we use '{行|い}く' or '{観|み}に{行|い}く' for concerts. {出席|しゅっせき} sounds too formal for entertainment.
It is the physical or digital book used to record attendance in schools.
Yes, use '{ご出席|ごしゅっせき}されますか？' to be very respectful.
It reflects the cultural value of group harmony and showing commitment to one's duties.
Related Phrases
{参加|さんか}をする
similarTo participate
{欠席|けっせき}をする
contrastTo be absent
{顔|かお}を{出|だ}す
informalTo show one's face / stop by
{出席|しゅっせき}をとる
builds onTo take attendance
