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A2 noun 9 min read

大会

taikai

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 大会 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 大会 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn '大会' (taikai) as a simple noun meaning 'big meeting' or 'sports day.' Think of it as a special day at school or in your town. At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex grammar. Just remember that it is a 'big' (dai) 'meeting' (kai). You might see it in words like 'undō-taikai' (sports day). It's a noun, so you use it with simple particles like 'wa' or 'ga.' For example, 'Taikai wa tanoshii desu' (The tournament is fun). Focus on the idea that it's an event where many people come together. You can imagine a big stadium or a school field full of people. This word is very common in beginner textbooks when talking about hobbies or school life. Even if you don't use it yourself yet, recognizing the 'dai' and 'kai' kanji will help you understand that something big is happening.

At the A2 level, you should start using '大会' in basic sentences about your hobbies or school activities. You should know the difference between 'shiai' (a single match) and 'taikai' (the whole tournament). Use 'taikai ni deru' to say you are participating in one. You might talk about a 'suie-taikai' (swimming meet) or a 'tenisu-taikai' (tennis tournament). At this level, it's important to understand that 'taikai' is used for organized events. You can also start recognizing common phrases like 'taikai no junbi' (preparation for the tournament). If you are describing your weekend, you might say, 'Kinō, sakka- no taikai ni ikimashita' (Yesterday, I went to a soccer tournament). This level is about connecting the word to your personal experiences and daily routines. You should also be able to understand simple announcements about local events using this word.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using '大会' in a variety of contexts, including formal ones. You should understand that it can mean a 'convention' or 'conference' as well as a sports tournament. For example, 'Gakkai no taikai' (an academic society's convention). You should also learn more formal verbs like 'shutsujō suru' (to participate/enter) instead of just 'deru.' At this stage, you should be able to describe the scale of an event using prefixes like 'zenkoku-' (national) or 'chiho-' (regional). You should also be able to talk about the results of a tournament using words like 'yūshō' (victory) or 'kessen' (final match). Understanding the cultural importance of 'taikai' in Japan, such as the high school baseball tournament (Koshien), becomes important here. You can explain why a certain 'taikai' is important to you or your community using more complex grammar like 'node' or 'tameni.'

At the B2 level, you should understand the nuance of '大会' in professional and political contexts. It is often used for mass rallies or national conventions of political parties or labor unions. You should be able to read news articles about 'sekai taikai' (world championships) and understand the surrounding vocabulary like 'yoson' (qualifying rounds) and 'honsenn' (main tournament). You should also be aware of the stylistic choice between 'taikai' and 'kyōgikai' (official competition). At this level, you can use the word to discuss social trends, such as the increasing number of 'e-sports taikai.' You should be able to use the word in the passive voice, such as 'Taikai ga kaisai sareru' (The tournament is being held), and use it in complex sentences that describe the impact of an event on a city or organization. Your usage should reflect an understanding of the word's breadth, from a festive fireworks display to a serious political assembly.

At the C1 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of '大会' and its historical and social implications. You can use it to discuss the organizational structure of large-scale events and the logistical challenges involved. You should be familiar with idiomatic expressions and compound words where 'taikai' is used metaphorically or in very specific professional fields. For example, understanding the legal or administrative nuances when 'taikai' refers to a general meeting of shareholders or a national assembly in specific historical contexts. You should be able to critique the management of a 'taikai' or discuss its economic impact using advanced vocabulary. At this level, you should also be sensitive to the register, knowing when 'taikai' might sound too informal compared to more specialized terms like 'shinpōjiumu' (symposium) or 'fōramu' (forum), and vice versa. You can write detailed reports or give presentations about large-scale events using 'taikai' with absolute precision.

At the C2 level, your mastery of '大会' should be indistinguishable from a native speaker. You understand the deep etymological roots and how the term has evolved from ancient gatherings to modern global spectacles. You can discuss the word's role in Japanese literature or historical documents, where 'taikai' might describe significant historical assemblies or religious gatherings. You are capable of using the word in high-level academic writing, legal documents, or political speeches, navigating the most formal registers with ease. You understand the subtle emotional resonance 'taikai' carries in the Japanese psyche—the concepts of 'seishun' (youth) and 'doryoku' (effort) that are often intertwined with school-level 'taikai.' You can engage in complex debates about the commercialization of large 'taikai' like the Olympics and use the word to analyze the intersection of sport, politics, and society at the highest level of discourse.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

大会 in 30 Seconds

Taikai means a large tournament or convention.
It is used for sports, school events, and formal meetings.
It differs from 'shiai' (match) by referring to the whole event.
Commonly paired with verbs like 'participate' (deru) and 'win' (yūshō).

The Japanese word 大会 (たいかい - taikai) is a fundamental noun that every Japanese learner should master early on. At its core, it combines two simple kanji: 大 (big/large) and 会 (meeting/gathering). Together, they literally translate to a 'grand gathering' or a 'large meeting.' However, in modern Japanese, its application is much broader, encompassing everything from a local neighborhood sports day to the Olympic Games.

Primary Definition: A large-scale event, often competitive in nature, such as a tournament, championship, or convention. It implies a sense of scale and importance that distinguishes it from a regular match or a small meeting.
Scope of Use: Used in sports (championships), academics (speech contests), politics (national rallies), and community events (festivals or large-scale clean-ups).

When you hear 'Taikai,' think of an event that has been planned for a long time and involves many participants. It is the 'big day' for many Japanese students and professionals alike. For instance, in the world of Japanese high school sports, the word 'Taikai' often refers to the regional or national tournaments that define a student's entire school career.

来週、市内のテニス大会に参加します。(Raishū, shinai no tenisu taikai ni sanka shimasu.)
— Translation: I will participate in the city tennis tournament next week.

Furthermore, 'Taikai' isn't limited to sports. In a corporate or political context, it can refer to a general assembly or a mass rally. For example, a political party might hold a 'Zenkoku Taikai' (National Convention) to decide on leadership or policy. This versatility makes it one of the most common nouns found in news headlines and school announcements.

Cultural Weight: In Japan, 'Taikai' often carries a heavy emotional weight, representing the culmination of hard work, especially in the context of 'Bukatsu' (school clubs).

この大会に勝てば、全国に行ける。(Kono taikai ni kateba, zenkoku ni ikeru.)
— Translation: If we win this tournament, we can go to the nationals.

In summary, 'Taikai' is the umbrella term for organized, large-scale gatherings. Whether it's a 'Suie-taikai' (swimming meet), a 'Benron-taikai' (speech contest), or even a 'Hanabi-taikai' (fireworks display), the word signals an event of significant scale and community participation. Understanding its use helps learners navigate Japanese social and professional structures where such events are pivotal milestones throughout the year.

Using 大会 (taikai) correctly requires understanding the verbs and particles that typically accompany it. Because it is a noun representing an event, it often interacts with verbs of participation, hosting, and winning.

Participating in an Event: The most common way to say you are taking part in a tournament is '大会に出る' (Taikai ni deru) or more formally '大会に出場する' (Taikai ni shutsujō suru).

彼は世界大会に出場した経験がある。(Kare wa sekai taikai ni shutsujō shita keiken ga aru.)
— Translation: He has experience participating in a world championship.

When discussing the organization or hosting of an event, we use '開催する' (kaisai suru) or '開く' (hiraku). This is essential for formal reports or news.

Hosting and Organizing: '来年、東京で国際大会が開催されます。' (Next year, an international tournament will be held in Tokyo.)

Another important grammatical point is the use of '大会' as a suffix. When attached to specific activities, it creates the name of the event itself. For example: '水泳大会' (Swimming meet), '陸上競技大会' (Track and field meet), or '将棋大会' (Shogi tournament). Note that in these cases, the word 'Taikai' often loses its standalone particle and becomes part of a compound noun.

中学校の運動大会はとても賑やかだった。(Chūgakkō no undō taikai wa totemo nigiyaka datta.)
— Translation: The junior high school sports meet was very lively.

Finally, consider the scale markers. Words like '全国' (zenkoku - national), '地方' (chihō - regional), and '世界' (sekai - world) frequently precede '大会' to specify its scope. This allows you to differentiate between a small local gathering and a massive international event. In professional settings, 'Taikai' can also mean a convention, such as '学術大会' (academic convention) where researchers present findings.

Winning and Results: 優勝 (yūshō - victory), 準優勝 (jun-yūshō - runner-up), and 入賞 (nyūshō - placing/winning a prize) are common terms paired with 'Taikai' in sports reporting.

今回の大会のレベルは非常に高い。(Konkai no taikai no reberu wa hijō ni takai.)
— Translation: The level of this tournament is extremely high.

By mastering these patterns, you can discuss events with precision, whether you are describing your own participation or reporting on global news.

The word 大会 (taikai) is ubiquitous in Japanese daily life, but it resonates most strongly in specific environments: schools, sports media, and large-scale public events. Understanding these contexts will help you recognize the word immediately in natural conversation.

School Life (Gakkō Seikatsu): In Japanese schools, 'Taikai' is the goal of every club activity. Students work tirelessly for the 'Chū-tai-ren' (Junior High Athletic Meet) or 'Kō-tai-ren' (High School Athletic Meet). You will hear teachers and students constantly discussing 'Taikai-mae' (before the tournament) as a period of intense practice.

If you are in Japan during the summer, you will hear the word 'Kōshien' (甲子園) frequently. While Kōshien is a stadium, the event itself is officially the 'Zenkoku Kōtō Gakkō Yakyū Senshukan Taikai' (National High School Baseball Championship Tournament). In this context, 'Taikai' signifies the prestige and national scale of the competition.

夏の大会に向けて、毎日練習しています。(Natsu no taikai ni mukete, mainichi renshū shite imasu.)
— Translation: We are practicing every day for the summer tournament.

Another very common context is 'Hanabi Taikai' (Fireworks Festival). While in English we might just say 'fireworks,' in Japanese, the formal name for these mass gatherings where thousands of fireworks are launched is a 'Taikai.' This highlights the 'gathering' aspect of the word, as people congregate in huge numbers to watch.

Corporate and Professional Settings: Academic societies hold 'Nenji Taikai' (Annual Conventions). These are formal gatherings where scholars present research. Similarly, labor unions or political groups might hold a 'Kekkitsu Taikai' (Rally/Pep Rally) to boost morale.

In e-sports, which is growing rapidly in Japan, the term 'E-supōtsu Taikai' is now common. Even gaming communities use this word for their online tournaments. This shows how the word has adapted from traditional sports to digital ones.

今夜、オンラインでゲームの大会があるんだ。(Konya, onrain de gēmu no taikai ga aru n da.)
— Translation: There's an online gaming tournament tonight.

Whether it's a solemn academic convention, a rowdy political rally, a high-stakes sports championship, or a beautiful fireworks display, the word 'Taikai' is the common thread that binds these large-scale collective experiences in Japanese society.

While 大会 (taikai) is a versatile word, learners often make specific errors in scale, context, and nuance. Avoiding these will make your Japanese sound much more natural and precise.

Mistake 1: Confusing Taikai with Shiai (試合): This is the most frequent error. A 'Shiai' is a single match or game (e.g., a soccer match). A 'Taikai' is the entire event (e.g., the World Cup). If you are playing one game against another team, don't call it a 'Taikai' unless it's part of a larger tournament you are currently attending.

Wrong: '昨日、テニスの大会をしました' (Yesterday, we did a tennis tournament - when you only played one match).
Correct: '昨日、テニスの試合をしました' (Yesterday, we had a tennis match).

× 友達と二人で大会をした。
○ 友達と二人で試合をした。(Played a match with a friend.)

Mistake 2: Using Taikai for Small Meetings: The 'Dai' (大) in 'Taikai' means 'big.' Using it for a small club meeting or a casual get-together with three people sounds very strange. For small meetings, use 'Kaigi' (会議) or 'Atsumari' (集まり).

Mistake 3: Overusing 'Taikai' for specific arts. While 'Taikai' works for many things, specific arts sometimes prefer other terms. For example, a piano competition is usually a 'Konkūru' (コンクール), not a 'Taikai.' While 'Piano Taikai' might be understood, it sounds less professional than 'Piano Konkūru.'

Mistake 4: Particle Confusion: Learners often say '大会を参加する' (Taikai o sanka suru). The correct particle is 'ni' (に) because you are entering 'into' the event: '大会に参加する'.

× 大会を参加します。
○ 大会に参加します。(I will participate in the tournament.)

Finally, remember that 'Taikai' is a noun. If you want to say 'to tournament' (which we don't really say in English but sometimes learners try to verb-ify it), you must use '大会を開く' (hold a tournament) or '大会に出る' (enter a tournament). You cannot just add 'suru' to 'Taikai' to mean 'to play in a tournament.'

To truly understand 大会 (taikai), it's helpful to compare it with other words that mean 'meeting,' 'match,' or 'competition.' Japanese has many specific terms depending on the nature of the event.

Taikai (大会) vs. Shiai (試合): As mentioned, 'Shiai' is a single match. 'Taikai' is the whole tournament. Think of 'Shiai' as a battle and 'Taikai' as the war (or the campaign).
Taikai (大会) vs. Kyōgikai (競技会): 'Kyōgikai' is more formal and technical. It is often used in official government or athletic association contexts. While 'Taikai' sounds like a big event for everyone, 'Kyōgikai' sounds like a strictly regulated competition.

陸上競技大会 (Athletic meet) vs. 陸上競技会 (Athletic competition - more formal).

Another common alternative is コンクール (Konkūru), borrowed from the French 'concours.' This is used specifically for artistic competitions where participants are judged on skill rather than scoring points, such as music, choir, or art contests.

Taikai (大会) vs. Konpe (コンペ): 'Konpe' (short for competition) is frequently used for golf tournaments (Gorufu-konpe) or architectural design competitions. It feels more modern and business-oriented than 'Taikai.'

For non-competitive gatherings, you might use 集会 (shūkai). This means 'meeting' or 'assembly' but usually refers to a political or social gathering rather than a festive or competitive one. 'Taikai' has a much more positive, grand, and often celebratory connotation than 'Shūkai.'

反対集会 (Protest rally) vs. 全国大会 (National convention).

Lastly, トーナメント (Tōnamento) is specifically used for single-elimination tournament formats. While all 'Tōnamento' are 'Taikai,' not all 'Taikai' are 'Tōnamento' (some might be round-robin or just a large gathering). Understanding these subtle differences will help you choose the right word for the right occasion.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"本日は、本大会にご列席いただき誠にありがとうございます。"

Neutral

"来週、テニスの大会があります。"

Informal

"明日の大会、絶対勝とうね！"

Child friendly

"がっこうのうんどうたいかい、がんばろうね！"

Slang

"あの大会、メンツがヤバいよ。"

Fun Fact

While 'Taikai' sounds very modern in the context of sports, the combination of 'Large' and 'Meeting' has been used for centuries to describe significant social or religious assemblies before being adopted for modern athletic tournaments.

Pronunciation Guide

UK taɪkaɪ

US taɪkaɪ

In standard Japanese (Tokyo dialect), the pitch starts low and rises, staying high for the rest of the word (ta-IKAI).

Rhymes With

再会 (saikai - reunion) 開会 (kaikai - opening a meeting) 閉会 (heikai - closing a meeting) 正解 (seikai - correct answer) 例外 (reigai - exception) 境界 (kyōkai - boundary) 紹介 (shōkai - introduction) 後悔 (kōkai - regret)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'tai' like 'tay' (rhyming with day). It should be 'tie'.
Pronouncing 'kai' like 'kay'. It should be 'k-eye'.
Stressing the first syllable too heavily like English 'TIGER'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The kanji are basic (N5/N4 level), but the word has many contexts.

Writing 2/5

Both kanji are common and easy to write.

Speaking 1/5

Easy to pronounce and very useful in conversation.

Listening 1/5

Very common in news and school announcements.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

大きい (Big) 会う (To meet) 試合 (Match) 練習 (Practice) 学校 (School)

Learn Next

優勝 (Victory) 出場 (Participation) 開催 (Hosting) 予選 (Qualifying) 決勝 (Finals)

Advanced

選手権 (Championship) 競技会 (Official competition) 招致 (Bidding/hosting) 運営 (Management) 形骸化 (Formalization)

Grammar to Know

Noun + に出る (Participation)

大会に出る。

Noun + で優勝する (Location of victory)

大会で優勝する。

Noun + のために (Purpose)

大会のために練習する。

Prefix + 大会 (Scale/Type)

全国大会、水泳大会。

Noun + が開催される (Passive hosting)

大会が開催される。

Examples by Level

あした、スポーツの大会があります。

Tomorrow, there is a sports tournament.

Simple noun + ga arimasu.

この大会は大きいです。

This tournament is big.

Adjective modifying the noun.

大会はたのしいですか。

Is the tournament fun?

Question form.

小学校の大会に行きます。

I am going to the elementary school tournament.

Possessive particle 'no'.

大会で走ります。

I will run in the tournament.

Particle 'de' for location of action.

テニスの大会を見ました。

I watched a tennis tournament.

Direct object with 'o'.

大会はどこですか。

Where is the tournament?

Locative question.

大会に友達がいます。

My friend is at the tournament.

Existence with 'ni'.

来週の大会に出ます。

I will participate in next week's tournament.

Verb 'deru' for participation.

大会の準備は大変です。

Preparing for the tournament is hard.

Compound noun phrase 'taikai no junbi'.

水泳大会で一位になりました。

I got first place in the swimming meet.

Specific event 'suie-taikai'.

有名な大会を見に行きたいです。

I want to go see a famous tournament.

Desire form '-tai'.

大会は午前九時に始まります。

The tournament starts at 9 AM.

Time particle 'ni' with 'hajimaru'.

彼は大会のために練習しています。

He is practicing for the sake of the tournament.

'no tame ni' for purpose.

大会のチケットを買いましたか。

Did you buy the tickets for the tournament?

Past tense question.

この大会には多くの人が来ます。

Many people come to this tournament.

'ni wa' for emphasis on location.

全国大会に出場するのが私の夢です。

It is my dream to participate in the national tournament.

Formal verb 'shutsujō suru'.

大会の運営には多くのボランティアが必要です。

Many volunteers are needed for the management of the tournament.

Noun 'un'ei' (management).

雨で大会が中止になってしまいました。

The tournament ended up being cancelled due to rain.

Cause 'de' and regret '-te shimau'.

スピーチ大会で緊張してうまく話せませんでした。

I was nervous at the speech contest and couldn't speak well.

Potential negative 'hanasemasen deshita'.

大会のルールをよく確認してください。

Please check the tournament rules carefully.

Request form '-te kudasai'.

彼は去年の大会で優勝しました。

He won the tournament last year.

Verb 'yūshō suru' (to win).

大会のスケジュールが変更されました。

The tournament schedule has been changed.

Passive voice 'henkō sareta'.

この大会は、地域の人々に愛されています。

This tournament is loved by the local people.

Passive voice 'aisareite imasu'.

来月、この会場で国際会議の大会が開かれます。

Next month, a grand convention for an international conference will be held at this venue.

Formal 'hirakareru' (to be held).

大会の成功は、スタッフの努力にかかっている。

The success of the tournament depends on the efforts of the staff.

'ni kakatte iru' (depends on).

彼は世界大会の予選で敗退してしまった。

He was eliminated in the qualifying rounds of the world championship.

Noun 'yosen' (qualifying round) and 'haitai' (elimination).

大会の規模が年々拡大しています。

The scale of the tournament is expanding year by year.

Adverb 'nennen' (year by year).

今回の大会は、新記録が続出するハイレベルなものだった。

This tournament was a high-level one where new records were set one after another.

Verb 'zokushutsu suru' (to appear in succession).

大会主催者は、安全対策に万全を期している。

The tournament organizers are taking all possible safety measures.

'banzen o kisu' (to ensure perfection/take all precautions).

党の全国大会で、新しい方針が示された。

At the party's national convention, a new policy was presented.

Political context of 'taikai'.

大会の様子は、インターネットで生中継されます。

The tournament will be broadcast live on the internet.

Noun 'nama-chūkei' (live broadcast).

大会の開催に伴い、周辺道路では交通規制が行われます。

With the holding of the tournament, traffic restrictions will be implemented on surrounding roads.

'ni tomonai' (along with/accompanying).

この大会は、歴史的に見ても非常に重要な意義を持っている。

Even looking from a historical perspective, this tournament holds a very important significance.

Adverbial 'rekishiteki ni mite'.

大会の収益の一部は、慈善団体に寄付されることになっている。

It has been decided that a portion of the tournament's proceeds will be donated to charity.

'koto ni natte iru' (it has been decided).

大会の公平性を保つため、厳格なドーピング検査が実施された。

To maintain the fairness of the tournament, strict doping tests were conducted.

Noun 'kōheisei' (fairness).

彼の大勝は、大会史上に残る快挙と言えるだろう。

His great victory can be called a brilliant feat that will remain in the history of the tournament.

'to ieru darō' (can probably be said).

大会の盛り上がりに反して、地元住民からは不満の声も上がっている。

Contrary to the excitement of the tournament, voices of dissatisfaction are also rising from local residents.

'ni hanshite' (contrary to).

学術大会の予稿集を読み込み、議論に備える。

I will read through the collection of abstracts for the academic convention and prepare for the discussion.

Compound 'yokōshū' (abstracts/preprints).

大会のスポンサー選定において、透明性が強く求められている。

Transparency is strongly required in the selection of tournament sponsors.

Noun 'tōmeisei' (transparency).

五輪大会の招致活動は、国威発揚の手段として利用される側面がある。

The bidding activities for the Olympic Games have an aspect of being used as a means of enhancing national prestige.

Advanced term 'kokui hatsuyō' (enhancing national prestige).

大会の理念が形骸化し、商業主義に走っているとの批判は免れない。

Critique is unavoidable that the ideals of the tournament have become a mere shell and are leaning towards commercialism.

'keigaika' (becoming a mere shell/formalized) and 'menarenai' (cannot be avoided).

この大会は、多種多様な文化が交錯する国際交流の場として機能している。

This tournament functions as a venue for international exchange where a wide variety of cultures intersect.

Verb 'kōsaku suru' (to intersect/mix).

大会運営の杜撰さが露呈し、関係者の責任問題に発展した。

The sloppiness of the tournament management was exposed, developing into a question of the responsibility of those involved.

Adjective 'zuzan' (sloppy/careless).

大会のレガシーをいかに次世代へ継承していくかが、今後の大きな課題である。

How to pass down the legacy of the tournament to the next generation is a major challenge for the future.

Noun 'regashī' (legacy) and 'keishō' (succession/inheritance).

未曾有の規模で開催された今大会は、スポーツ界に新たな地平を切り拓いた。

This tournament, held on an unprecedented scale, opened up new horizons in the sports world.

Idiom 'chihei o kirihiraku' (to open new horizons).

大会の成否は、緻密な戦略と不測の事態への対応力に委ねられている。

The success or failure of the tournament is entrusted to meticulous strategy and the ability to respond to unforeseen circumstances.

Noun 'seihi' (success or failure) and 'chimitsu' (meticulous).

大会の熱狂が去った後の静寂は、祭りのあとの寂しさを彷彿とさせる。

The silence after the excitement of the tournament has passed is reminiscent of the loneliness after a festival.

Literary verb 'hōfutsu saseru' (to be reminiscent of).

Common Collocations

大会に出る

大会で優勝する

大会を開催する

全国大会

世界大会

大会の中止

大会の運営

学術大会

運動大会

大会の記録

Common Phrases

花火大会 (Hanabi Taikai)

— A fireworks festival/display. It is one of the most common uses of the word outside of sports.

今夜は隅田川の花火大会だ。

運動大会 (Undō Taikai)

— A sports meet or field day, usually at a school or company.

明日は学校の運動大会です。

全国大会 (Zenkoku Taikai)

— A national tournament. For many, this is the ultimate goal of their practice.

ついに全国大会への切符を手に入れた。

予選大会 (Yosen Taikai)

— A qualifying tournament or preliminary round.

予選大会を勝ち抜くのは難しい。

記念大会 (Kinen Taikai)

— A commemorative tournament, often held for an anniversary (e.g., the 100th).

第百回の記念大会が開催される。

弁論大会 (Benron Taikai)

— A speech contest or oratory competition.

英語の弁論大会でスピーチをした。

親睦大会 (Shinboku Taikai)

— A friendly or social gathering/tournament intended to build relationships.

町内の親睦大会でボウリングをした。

水泳大会 (Suie Taikai)

— A swimming meet.

小学校の水泳大会で泳いだ。

決勝大会 (Kesshō Taikai)

— The final tournament or championship round.

決勝大会はテレビで放送される。

大規模な大会 (Daikibo-na Taikai)

— A large-scale tournament/convention.

大規模な大会の警備は大変だ。

Often Confused With

大会 vs 試合 (Shiai)

Shiai is a single match; Taikai is the whole tournament.

大会 vs 会議 (Kaigi)

Kaigi is a business meeting; Taikai is a grand convention or tournament.

大会 vs 集会 (Shūkai)

Shūkai is an assembly or rally, often smaller or more political than a Taikai.

Idioms & Expressions

"大会の華 (Taikai no hana)"

— The highlight or the 'star' of the tournament.

彼女の演技は大会の華だった。

Literary

"大会記録を塗り替える (Taikai kiroku o nurikaeru)"

— To break or rewrite a tournament record.

彼は百メートルで大会記録を塗り替えた。

Neutral

"大会に名を刻む (Taikai ni na o kizamu)"

— To carve one's name into the history of the tournament (to make a lasting impact).

歴史的な勝利で大会に名を刻んだ。

Formal

"大会を制する (Taikai o seisu)"

— To conquer or dominate the tournament (to win).

圧倒的な力で大会を制した。

Formal

"大会荒らし (Taikai arashi)"

— Someone who goes around winning many tournaments (often with a slightly negative or awe-struck nuance).

彼は有名な大会荒らしだ。

Informal

"大会の魔物 (Taikai no mamono)"

— The 'demon' of the tournament (referring to the unpredictable pressure that causes favorites to lose).

大会の魔物に飲まれてしまった。

Journalistic

"大会を盛り上げる (Taikai o moriageru)"

— To liven up or build excitement for the tournament.

みんなで大会を盛り上げよう。

Neutral

"大会に備える (Taikai ni sonaeru)"

— To prepare for the tournament.

万全の体制で大会に備える。

Neutral

"大会の幕が上がる (Taikai no maku ga agaru)"

— The curtain rises on the tournament (the tournament begins).

ついに大会の幕が上がった。

Literary

"大会の幕を閉じる (Taikai no maku o tojiru)"

— The curtain falls on the tournament (the tournament ends).

感動のうちに大会の幕を閉じた。

Literary

Easily Confused

大会 vs コンクール

Both are competitions.

Konkūru is for arts/music; Taikai is for sports/general gatherings.

ピアノコンクール vs. 卓球大会

大会 vs コンペ

Both are competitions.

Konpe is for golf or business design; Taikai is more general.

ゴルフコンペ vs. 野球大会

大会 vs フェスティバル

Both are large events.

Festival is for celebration/fun; Taikai usually implies competition or formal assembly.

音楽フェスティバル vs. 音楽大会 (rare)

大会 vs リーグ

Both refer to sports structures.

League is a series over time; Taikai is often a specific event/tournament.

Jリーグ vs. 天皇杯大会

大会 vs オフ会

Both are gatherings.

Off-kai is a casual meet-up for internet friends; Taikai is a large formal event.

ゲームのオフ会 vs. ゲームの大会

Sentence Patterns

N(Event)の大会があります。

テニスの大会があります。

大会にN(Person)が出ます。

大会に兄が出ます。

大会のためにV(Dictionary)練習をします。

大会のために毎日練習をします。

大会でV(Past)経験があります。

大会で優勝した経験があります。

大会がPlaceで開催されます。

大会が東京で開催されます。

N(Organization)主催の大会。

市主催の大会。

大会の開催に伴い、~。

大会の開催に伴い、道が混みます。

大会の理念を継承する。

大会の理念を次世代へ継承する。

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely frequent in daily life, schools, and media.

Common Mistakes

Using 'Taikai' for a 1-on-1 match. → 試合 (Shiai)
A tournament involves many matches. If you just played one game, it's a 'Shiai'.
Saying 'Taikai o sanka suru'. → 大会に参加する (Taikai ni sanka suru)
The verb 'sanka' always takes the particle 'ni' to show the event you are entering.
Using 'Taikai' for a small business meeting. → 会議 (Kaigi)
'Taikai' is for grand conventions. A normal meeting in an office is a 'Kaigi'.
Calling a piano competition a 'Taikai'. → コンクール (Konkūru)
While 'Taikai' is possible, 'Konkūru' is the standard term for judged artistic performances.
Saying 'Taikai o suru' for 'playing in a tournament'. → 大会に出る (Taikai ni deru)
'Taikai o suru' sounds like you are the creator of the tournament, not a player.

Tips

Winning vs. Participating

Always use 'ni deru' to participate and 'de yūshō suru' to win. The particles change depending on the action!

The 'Dai' Factor

Remember the first kanji is 'Big.' If it's not a big event, 'Taikai' might sound like overkill. Use 'Kai' or 'Shiai' for smaller things.

Summer Fun

Summer in Japan is 'Taikai' season. Between baseball and fireworks, you'll hear this word everywhere in July and August.

Compound Nouns

You can turn almost any hobby into a tournament by adding 'Taikai' to the end. Try 'Chess Taikai' or 'Cooking Taikai'!

News Keywords

When you hear 'Taikai' on the news, listen for the location (Tokyo, etc.) and the result (Yūshō) to understand the whole story.

Beyond Sports

Don't forget academic and political uses. 'Gakkai' (academic society) meetings are often called 'Taikai'.

Kanji Practice

The kanji for 'Taikai' are very common. Practice writing them together to remember the 'Big Meeting' concept.

Friendly Events

Use 'Shinboku Taikai' if you want to organize a friendly gathering that isn't too competitive.

Hosting an Event

Use 'kaisai suru' when you are the one organizing the tournament. It sounds very professional.

JLPT Tip

This word often appears in JLPT N4 and N3 reading sections. Make sure you know the 'Tournament' vs 'Convention' meanings.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a **DIE** (Tai) being rolled at a **KITE** (Kai) flying festival. It's a huge event, a real **TAIKAI**!

Visual Association

Visualize a massive stadium with a giant letter 'T' for Tournament and 'A' for Assembly in the middle of the field.

Word Web

Sports Tournament Convention Big Meeting Gathering Championship Koshien

Challenge

Try to use 'Taikai' in three different ways today: once for sports, once for a festival, and once for a formal meeting.

Word Origin

The word is composed of two kanji of Chinese origin (Sino-Japanese). 'Dai' (大) means large or great, and 'Kai' (会) means to meet or a gathering.

Original meaning: A great gathering or assembly of people.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Cultural Context

Generally a very positive and safe word. However, in political contexts, it can imply a strong, sometimes partisan rally.

In English, we use different words like 'tournament,' 'convention,' or 'meet.' In Japanese, 'Taikai' covers all of these.

Koshien (National High School Baseball Championship) The Olympics (often called Goriku-taikai in formal contexts) Sumida River Fireworks Taikai

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Sports

大会で優勝する
全国大会に出る
大会のルール
予選大会

School

運動大会
水泳大会
合唱大会
大会の練習

Festivals

花火大会
大会の会場
大会のスケジュール
大会に行く

Professional/Academic

学術大会
大会の予稿
大会に参加する
年次大会

News/Media

世界大会
大会の成功
大会の中止
大会の規模

Conversation Starters

"最近、何か大会に出ましたか？ (Have you participated in any tournaments lately?)"

"一番思い出に残っている大会は何ですか？ (What is the most memorable tournament for you?)"

"今度の花火大会、一緒に行きませんか？ (Would you like to go to the upcoming fireworks festival together?)"

"大会で優勝したことがありますか？ (Have you ever won a tournament?)"

"プロのゲームの大会を見たことがありますか？ (Have you ever watched a professional gaming tournament?)"

Journal Prompts

If you could organize your own 'Taikai,' what kind of event would it be?

Describe a time you participated in a 'Taikai' (sports, academic, etc.) and how you felt.

Why do you think 'Hanabi Taikai' are so popular in Japan?

Compare a 'Taikai' you experienced in your home country with one in Japan.

Write about the process of preparing for a big 'Taikai'.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Usually no. 'Taikai' implies a large scale (Dai = Big). For a small group, use 'Atsumari' or 'Game-kai'.

They are very similar. 'Undō-kai' is the standard term for school sports days. 'Undō-taikai' sounds slightly more formal or larger in scale, often used by companies.

Most of the time, yes. However, 'Hanabi Taikai' (fireworks) and some political/academic 'Taikai' are gatherings rather than competitions.

It's better to say 'Taikai o hiraku' (hold) or 'Taikai ni deru' (participate). 'Taikai o suru' is understandable but sounds a bit childish.

It is usually 'Wārudo Kappu' (ワールドカップ), but it is a type of 'Sekai Taikai' (World Tournament).

Because it's a 'grand gathering' where many fireworks are 'competing' for beauty and thousands of people assemble.

Yes, 'Benron Taikai' (Speech Contest) is the standard term.

Use 'yūshō suru' (優勝する). Example: 'Taikai de yūshō suru'.

Yes, formally the Olympics is called 'Orinpikku Kyōgi Taikai'.

It is a National Tournament, the highest level of competition for most school clubs in Japan.