In 15 Seconds
- Means gathering or hanging out with friends.
- Used for planned social events and group activities.
- Implies a warm, communal atmosphere, usually involving food.
Meaning
This phrase describes the act of getting together with friends for a social gathering. It implies a sense of community and shared time, whether you're grabbing dinner, hitting a KTV bar, or just hanging out.
Key Examples
3 of 6Explaining weekend plans to a colleague
我周末要和朋友聚会。
I am going to have a get-together with friends this weekend.
Texting a group chat to organize a night out
我们好久没聚会了，出来见个面吧！
We haven't gathered in a long time, let's meet up!
A boss asking about your holiday
假期里我主要是和朋友聚会。
During the holiday, I mostly had gatherings with friends.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Juhui' is deeply rooted in the Chinese value of collectivism. Unlike Western 'hanging out' which can be very spontaneous, a Chinese 'Juhui' often involves a shared meal where the act of eating together reinforces social bonds. It became even more popular with the rise of social media as a way to show 'social capital.'
The 'Double Verb' Trick
If you want to sound extra casual and native, say `聚聚` (jù jù) instead of `聚会`. Doubling the verb makes it sound relaxed and low-pressure.
Don't confuse with 'Date'
Never use `聚会` for a one-on-one romantic date. Your partner might think they've been friend-zoned or that other people are coming!
In 15 Seconds
- Means gathering or hanging out with friends.
- Used for planned social events and group activities.
- Implies a warm, communal atmosphere, usually involving food.
What It Means
和朋友聚会 is your go-to phrase for 'hanging out' or 'having a get-together.' It is more than just seeing someone. It implies a planned social event. Think of it as the 'social glue' of Chinese life. It covers everything from a quiet coffee to a loud dinner party.
How To Use It
You usually place it after the subject. For example, 'I am going to 和朋友聚会.' You can also use it to describe your weekend plans. It works as a verb phrase. You don't need fancy grammar here. Just keep it simple and direct. It sounds natural in almost any conversation.
When To Use It
Use this when someone asks about your plans. It is perfect for social media captions. Use it when you want to sound organized. It fits perfectly in a Monday morning chat at the office. It tells people you have a healthy social life. Use it when the gathering involves more than two people.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for a romantic date. That would be 约会, and using 聚会 might friend-zone you instantly! Avoid it for strictly professional business meetings. If you are just passing someone in the hall, this is too heavy. It implies staying together for a while. Don't use it if you are solo.
Cultural Background
In China, 'gathering' is a massive part of the culture. Food is almost always involved. A 聚会 often centers around a round table. This symbolizes unity and equality among friends. It is less about the activity and more about the 'Renqi' or 'human atmosphere.' People love sharing photos of these moments on WeChat.
Common Variations
You might hear 聚聚 (jù jù) for something more casual. Friends might say 出来坐坐 (chū lái zuò zuò) which means 'come out and sit.' For a big party, you might use 派对 (pàiduì). If it is specifically about eating, 聚餐 (jùcān) is the winner. Each variation adds a slightly different flavor to your social life.
Usage Notes
This is a neutral-register phrase suitable for both spoken and written Chinese. It is very safe to use with friends, colleagues, and family.
The 'Double Verb' Trick
If you want to sound extra casual and native, say `聚聚` (jù jù) instead of `聚会`. Doubling the verb makes it sound relaxed and low-pressure.
Don't confuse with 'Date'
Never use `聚会` for a one-on-one romantic date. Your partner might think they've been friend-zoned or that other people are coming!
The Bill Battle
At a `聚会`, be prepared for the 'fight' over the bill. While AA (splitting) is becoming common among youth, older generations still fight to pay for the whole group as a sign of friendship.
Examples
6我周末要和朋友聚会。
I am going to have a get-together with friends this weekend.
Standard usage to describe upcoming plans.
我们好久没聚会了，出来见个面吧！
We haven't gathered in a long time, let's meet up!
Uses the core verb 'gather' to initiate a plan.
假期里我主要是和朋友聚会。
During the holiday, I mostly had gatherings with friends.
Appropriate for a professional but friendly workplace conversation.
开心的朋友聚会！
A happy friends' gathering!
Common caption style for WeChat Moments or Instagram.
我不是在聚会，就是在去聚会的路上。
I'm either at a gathering or on my way to one.
A humorous way to say you have a very active social life.
我很怀念以前和朋友聚会的时光。
I really miss the times we used to gather with friends.
Used to express emotional longing for social connection.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct preposition to complete the phrase.
我明天___朋友聚会。
In Chinese, you use '和' (with) to indicate who you are performing the action with.
Which word best fits a social gathering context?
今晚我们有一个小小的___。
'聚会' is for friends, '开会' is for business meetings, and '约会' is for romantic dates.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Social Formality Spectrum
Hanging out at home
聚聚 (Jù jù)
Standard dinner or outing
和朋友聚会
Official banquet or reunion
出席聚会
Where to use '和朋友聚会'
At a Restaurant
Eating hotpot together
At KTV
Singing songs in a group
At Home
Playing board games
On Social Media
Posting a group selfie
Practice Bank
2 exercises我明天___朋友聚会。
In Chinese, you use '和' (with) to indicate who you are performing the action with.
今晚我们有一个小小的___。
'聚会' is for friends, '开会' is for business meetings, and '约会' is for romantic dates.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but it usually implies a more significant 'event' than just a quick chat. For one person, 见面 (jiànmiàn - meet up) is more common.
It can be both! You can say 参加聚会 (attend a gathering) as a noun, or 去聚会 (go to gather) as a verb.
You can use 聚会 for a party, or the loanword 派对 (pàiduì) if it's a Western-style party with music and dancing.
聚餐 (jùcān) specifically means gathering to eat a meal together, while 聚会 is more general.
Only if you are talking about a social event with colleagues. For work meetings, use 会议 (huìyì).
You can say 我们要不要聚一聚？ (Wǒmen yào bùyào jù yī jù?) which is a very natural way to invite friends.
Not necessarily, but in many Chinese social contexts, a 聚会 involves some form of shared drinks or tea.
For family, we usually say 家庭聚会 (jiātíng jùhuì). If you just say 朋友聚会, it specifically means friends.
Forgetting the 和 (with). Beginners often say 我朋友聚会 which sounds like 'My friend is having a gathering' instead of 'I am gathering with friends.'
Yes, it is standard Mandarin and understood everywhere, though local dialects might have their own slang for 'hanging out.'
Related Phrases
聚一聚
To get together for a bit (casual)
见个面
To meet up / see each other
叙旧
To reminisce / catch up on old times
凑热闹
To join in the fun / join a crowd
