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B1 noun/verb #2,800 most common 10 min read

聚会

jùhuì
Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 聚会 in 30 Seconds
Explanation 聚会 in your Level:
At the A1 level, learners are introduced to the word 聚会 (jùhuì) simply as the noun for 'party' or 'gathering'. At this stage, the focus is on recognizing the word and understanding its basic meaning in very simple contexts. Learners will encounter it in sentences like '我有一个聚会' (I have a party) or '周末有聚会' (There is a party on the weekend). The goal is to associate the characters 聚 (gather) and 会 (meeting) with the concept of people coming together for fun. Vocabulary lists at this level will often pair it with basic time words (明天, 周末) and simple verbs (有, 去). It is essential for beginners to know this word so they can understand basic invitations or explain their own simple plans. The pronunciation is relatively straightforward, though mastering the fourth tone on both syllables (jù huì) requires practice to sound natural. At A1, learners do not need to worry about its use as a verb or complex grammatical structures; simply knowing it means 'party' is sufficient for basic communication and comprehension.
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At the A2 level, learners begin to use 聚会 in slightly more complex sentences and start to understand its function in daily social interactions. They learn to use it with basic prepositions and location markers, such as '在朋友家聚会' (party at a friend's house) or '参加聚会' (attend a party). The distinction between 聚会 (social gathering) and 开会 (business meeting) is introduced to prevent common beginner mistakes. Learners at this stage can use the word to make, accept, or decline simple invitations. For example, '你想来我的聚会吗？' (Do you want to come to my party?) or '对不起，我有聚会' (Sorry, I have a gathering). They also start to combine it with descriptive words like 很好的聚会 (a very good party) or 开心的聚会 (a happy gathering). The focus is on practical, everyday communication, enabling learners to talk about their routines, weekend activities, and social lives with a bit more detail than at the A1 level.
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At the B1 level, 聚会 is fully integrated into the learner's active vocabulary. This is the level where the word officially sits in the CEFR framework for Chinese. Learners now understand its dual function as both a noun and an intransitive verb. They master the structure '和 [someone] 聚会' (to gather with someone) and avoid the mistake of using it transitively. They can discuss various types of gatherings, such as 同学聚会 (classmate reunion), 家庭聚会 (family gathering), and 朋友聚会 (friends' gathering). At B1, learners can narrate past events, describing what happened at a party ('我们在聚会上唱歌、聊天' - We sang and chatted at the party). They can also express intentions and plans using future tense markers. The cultural context of 聚会 becomes more apparent, as learners understand that it usually involves a shared meal and is a key part of building relationships in Chinese culture. They can handle most social situations involving invitations, planning, and recounting social events fluently.
At the B2 level, learners use 聚会 with high fluency and precision, incorporating it into complex sentence structures and nuanced conversations. They can discuss the logistics of organizing a gathering, using verbs like 组织 (organize), 举办 (hold), and 策划 (plan). They understand and use related idiomatic expressions and collocations naturally, such as 难得的聚会 (a rare gathering) or 盛大的聚会 (a grand gathering). At this stage, learners can express opinions about social events, discuss the pros and cons of different types of gatherings, and navigate the subtle social obligations associated with them (e.g., attending a mandatory company 聚餐). They can differentiate 聚会 from closely related synonyms like 派对, 聚餐, and 联欢, choosing the exact right word for the context. Their spoken and written Chinese regarding social activities sounds natural, polite, and culturally appropriate, reflecting a deep understanding of how social networks operate in Chinese-speaking environments.
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At the C1 level, the understanding and use of 聚会 reach an advanced, almost native-like proficiency. Learners can use the word in formal, abstract, or literary contexts. They can discuss the sociological or psychological aspects of gatherings, such as the pressure of attending a 同学聚会 (class reunion) to show off success, or the importance of family 聚会 in maintaining traditional values in modern society. They can read and comprehend complex texts, articles, or literature where 聚会 is used metaphorically or as a central theme. Vocabulary is rich and varied, employing advanced idioms like 欢聚一堂 (gather happily under one roof) or 觥筹交错 (glasses and goblets interlace - describing a lively banquet). At C1, learners can effortlessly shift registers, knowing exactly when to use a casual '聚一聚' versus a formal description of a social event. Their language production is sophisticated, allowing for deep, meaningful conversations about human connection and social dynamics.
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At the C2 level, mastery of the word 聚会 is absolute. The learner possesses a deep, intuitive grasp of the word's cultural, historical, and emotional resonance. They can analyze classical or modern literature where the concept of gathering and parting (聚散) is a central motif. They understand the philosophical undertones of human connection in Chinese culture, where '天下没有不散的筵席' (There is no banquet in the world that does not end) contrasts with the joy of 聚会. A C2 learner can write elegant essays, deliver persuasive speeches, or engage in high-level debates regarding social structures, community building, and the evolution of social gatherings in the digital age (e.g., 线上聚会 - online gatherings). They manipulate the language with complete flexibility, using the root characters 聚 and 会 to form or understand novel compounds or poetic expressions. At this pinnacle of language learning, 聚会 is not just a vocabulary word; it is a lens through which to view and articulate the complexities of Chinese society and human relationships.
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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

聚会 in 30 Seconds

  • Meaning: Party, gathering, get-together.
  • Usage: Noun (a party) or Intransitive Verb (to gather).
  • Context: Social events, family dinners, reunions.
  • Grammar tip: Cannot say '聚会朋友', must say '和朋友聚会'.

The Chinese word 聚会 (jùhuì) is a highly versatile and commonly used term that translates to 'gathering,' 'party,' 'get-together,' or 'meeting' (for social purposes). It is a core vocabulary word for anyone learning Chinese, as socializing and gathering with friends, family, or colleagues form the bedrock of Chinese interpersonal relationships (guanxi). The word is composed of two characters: '聚' (jù), which means 'to gather,' 'to assemble,' or 'to bring together,' and '会' (huì), which means 'meeting,' 'to meet,' or 'association.' Together, they perfectly encapsulate the concept of people coming together for a shared social experience. Understanding this word is essential for navigating social invitations, discussing weekend plans, and participating in the vibrant social life of Chinese-speaking communities. In modern usage, a 聚会 can range from a casual dinner with a few close friends to a massive college reunion or a formal corporate holiday party. Unlike formal business meetings (会议), a 聚会 is almost always social, festive, or relational in nature. It implies a sense of connection, shared time, and often, shared food and drink, which are central to Chinese hospitality.

Morphology
Verb-Object structure often used as a Noun.
Semantic Range
Covers everything from intimate family dinners to large-scale class reunions.
Cultural Weight
High importance in maintaining social harmony and networks.

周末我们有一个家庭 聚会。

We have a family gathering this weekend.

很高兴能在这次 聚会 上见到你。

I am very happy to see you at this party.

他们经常在咖啡馆 聚会。

They often gather at the cafe.

这次老同学 聚会 真是太难得了。

This old classmate reunion is truly rare.

我今晚有个 聚会，不能加班了。

I have a gathering tonight, I can't work overtime.

To fully grasp '聚会', one must also understand the types of gatherings it represents. A '同学聚会' (classmate reunion) is a major cultural phenomenon in China, often involving elaborate dinners, KTV sessions, and reminiscing about school days. A '家庭聚会' (family gathering) is central to holidays like the Spring Festival or Mid-Autumn Festival. The word carries an inherently positive, warm, and communal connotation. It is rarely used for negative assemblies (which might use words like 集会 or 聚集). When you hear someone say '我们聚一聚吧' (Let's get together), they are using the verb form of this root concept, inviting you into their social circle. Mastering this word opens doors to understanding Chinese hospitality, the importance of shared meals, and the linguistic structures used to organize social lives.

Using 聚会 (jùhuì) correctly involves understanding its dual nature as both a noun and a verb, though it is predominantly used as a noun in everyday conversation. As a noun, it functions similarly to 'party' or 'gathering' in English. You can 'have' a gathering (有聚会), 'participate in' a gathering (参加聚会), or 'organize' a gathering (组织聚会/举办聚会). The noun can be modified by various descriptive words to specify the type of event: 朋友聚会 (friends' gathering), 生日聚会 (birthday party), or 节日聚会 (holiday gathering). When used as a verb, it is intransitive. This is a crucial grammatical point for learners: you cannot '聚会' someone. Instead, you must use prepositional phrases, typically with '和' (hé - with) or '跟' (gēn - with). For example, '我和朋友聚会' (I gather with friends). You can also use it with location markers: '在家里聚会' (gather at home). The flexibility of the word makes it indispensable for making plans, declining invitations politely ('对不起，我今晚有聚会' - Sorry, I have a gathering tonight), or recounting weekend activities.

Noun Usage
Used with verbs like 参加 (participate), 举办 (hold), 组织 (organize).
Verb Usage
Intransitive. Must use 和/跟 + person + 聚会.
Time/Location
Often preceded by time (周末) or location (在餐厅).

我们计划下个月举办一次大型 聚会。

We plan to hold a large gathering next month.

他因为生病，没能参加昨天的 聚会。

Because he was sick, he couldn't attend yesterday's party.

每年春节，我们全家都会 聚会。

Every Spring Festival, our whole family gathers.

这次 聚会 的地点定在市中心的酒店。

The location for this gathering is set at a downtown hotel.

大家在 聚会 上玩得非常开心。

Everyone had a great time at the party.

Furthermore, understanding the syntax around '聚会' helps in forming complex sentences. For instance, expressing the purpose of a gathering: '为了庆祝他的生日，我们组织了一次聚会' (To celebrate his birthday, we organized a gathering). Or expressing the frequency: '我们每个月至少聚会一次' (We gather at least once a month). The word seamlessly integrates into various sentence patterns, from simple declarative sentences to complex conditional ones. It is also frequently paired with adjectives describing the atmosphere: 愉快的聚会 (happy gathering), 难忘的聚会 (unforgettable gathering), or 盛大的聚会 (grand gathering). By mastering these collocations and grammatical structures, learners can sound much more natural and fluent when discussing their social lives in Mandarin Chinese.

The word 聚会 (jùhuì) is ubiquitous in Chinese daily life, media, and digital communication. You will hear it constantly in casual conversations among friends planning their weekends, in family WeChat groups organizing holiday dinners, and in the workplace when colleagues plan team-building dinners (often referred to as 团建 or 聚餐, which are specific types of 聚会). In Chinese pop culture, movies, and television dramas, '聚会' scenes are pivotal plot devices where characters reunite, conflicts arise, or romances blossom. Reality TV shows often feature celebrities having a '聚会' to share their feelings and bond. On social media platforms like WeChat Moments (朋友圈) or Xiaohongshu (小红书), users frequently post photos of their food and friends with captions like '周末小聚会' (weekend small gathering) or '开心的聚会' (happy party). The term is also prevalent in advertising, especially for restaurants, KTV venues, and event planning services, which market themselves as the perfect '聚会场所' (gathering place).

Daily Conversation
Planning weekends, inviting friends, or making excuses.
Social Media
Captions for group photos, food pictures, and check-ins.
Workplace
Discussing after-work socializing or department dinners.

在微信群里，大家正在讨论周末的 聚会 安排。

In the WeChat group, everyone is discussing the weekend gathering arrangements.

这家餐厅环境很好，非常适合朋友 聚会。

This restaurant has a great environment, very suitable for friends' gatherings.

电视节目里，明星们正在举行一场盛大的晚间 聚会。

On the TV show, the celebrities are holding a grand evening party.

年底了，公司各个部门都在组织新年 聚会。

It's the end of the year, all company departments are organizing New Year gatherings.

她发了一条朋友圈，分享了昨晚 聚会 的照片。

She posted a Moments update, sharing photos from last night's party.

Beyond casual settings, you will also encounter the word in more formal or literary contexts, though slightly modified. For example, a formal assembly might be called a 集会 (jíhuì), but 聚会 remains the standard for social events. In literature, descriptions of a 聚会 often highlight the passage of time, the changing faces of old friends, and the enduring nature of relationships. The concept of gathering is deeply rooted in Chinese philosophy, emphasizing collectivism, harmony, and the importance of the group over the individual. Therefore, hearing and using the word '聚会' is not just about logistics; it is about participating in the cultural fabric of Chinese society. Whether it's a bustling night market gathering, a sophisticated wine tasting, or a simple tea chat in a park, the essence of '聚会' is the human connection it fosters.

While 聚会 (jùhuì) is a common word, learners frequently make several specific mistakes when using it. The most prevalent error is treating it as a transitive verb. Many English speakers translate 'to meet friends' directly as '聚会朋友' (jùhuì péngyou), which is grammatically incorrect in Chinese. Because 聚会 is an intransitive verb (or a verb-object compound in its origins), it cannot take a direct object. The correct structure is '和朋友聚会' (gather with friends). Another common mistake is confusing 聚会 with 开会 (kāihuì). While both involve people coming together, 开会 strictly means a formal, usually business or organizational meeting. Saying '我们周末去酒吧开会' (We are going to the bar for a business meeting this weekend) sounds absurd unless it's a very unconventional company! Additionally, learners sometimes confuse 聚会 with 派对 (pàiduì), which is a loanword from the English 'party'. While they overlap, 派对 usually implies a Western-style party with music, dancing, or a specific theme, whereas 聚会 is a broader term that heavily implies sitting together, usually eating, and chatting.

Transitive Error
Saying 聚会朋友 instead of 和朋友聚会.
Context Error
Using 聚会 for business meetings (should be 开会).
Nuance Error
Overusing 派对 for traditional Chinese dinners instead of 聚会.

❌ 错误: 我明天要 聚会我的家人。
✅ 正确: 我明天要 和我的家人聚会。

Correction: Use 'with' (和/跟) before the people you gather with.

❌ 错误: 老板让我们下午三点在会议室 聚会。
✅ 正确: 老板让我们下午三点在会议室 开会。

Correction: Use 开会 for business meetings.

❌ 错误: 这是一个很严肃的学术 聚会。
✅ 正确: 这是一个很严肃的学术 会议。

Correction: Academic gatherings are usually 会议 or 研讨会.

❌ 错误: 我们做了一个 聚会。
✅ 正确: 我们 举办 了一个聚会。

Correction: Use 举办 or 组织 instead of 做 for organizing a party.

❌ 错误: 我有很多 聚会们。
✅ 正确: 我有很多 聚会。

Correction: Nouns in Chinese do not take plural markers like '们' unless they refer to people.

Another subtle mistake is the inappropriate use of register. 聚会 is a standard, neutral word suitable for most situations. However, if you are referring to a very brief, casual encounter, using the full word '聚会' might sound slightly too formal. In such cases, saying '碰个面' (bump into each other / meet up briefly) or '聚一聚' (gather for a bit) is more appropriate. Conversely, for highly formal state banquets or official receptions, 聚会 is too casual; words like 宴会 (banquet) or 招待会 (reception) should be used. By paying attention to these nuances, learners can avoid awkward phrasing and ensure their Chinese sounds authentic, polite, and contextually accurate.

The Chinese language is rich in vocabulary related to gatherings, and 聚会 (jùhuì) has several synonyms and related terms that learners should distinguish.
1. 聚餐 (jùcān): This specifically means 'to dine together' or a 'dinner party.' Since most Chinese 聚会 involve food, 聚餐 is often used interchangeably, but it explicitly highlights the eating aspect.
2. 派对 (pàiduì): A direct transliteration of the English word 'party.' It is used mostly by younger generations or in urban settings to describe Western-style parties (e.g., 生日派对 - birthday party, 万圣节派对 - Halloween party).
3. 集会 (jíhuì): This refers to a formal assembly, rally, or mass gathering, often for political, religious, or public purposes. It lacks the social, intimate warmth of 聚会.
4. 约会 (yuēhuì): This means an 'appointment' or a 'romantic date.' Do not confuse this with 聚会! If you tell your friends you have a 约会, they will assume you are going on a date.
5. 团聚 (tuánjù): This is a deeply emotional word meaning 'to reunite,' typically used for family members who have been separated for a long time (e.g., 春节团聚 - Spring Festival reunion).

聚餐 (jùcān)
Focuses specifically on eating a meal together.
派对 (pàiduì)
Western-style party, often with music and dancing.
约会 (yuēhuì)
A romantic date or a specific one-on-one appointment.

今晚部门 聚餐，老板请客。

Tonight is the department dinner, the boss is treating.

周末我们要办一个化装 派对。

We are throwing a costume party this weekend.

广场上举行了盛大的群众 集会。

A grand mass rally was held in the square.

对不起，我今晚有个 约会，不能和你们去玩了。

Sorry, I have a date tonight, I can't hang out with you guys.

中秋节是全家 团聚 的日子。

Mid-Autumn Festival is a day for family reunion.

Understanding these distinctions is vital for achieving fluency. Using the right word sets the exact tone and expectation for the event. If you invite someone to a 聚餐, they will come hungry. If you invite them to a 派对, they might dress up more fashionably. If you mention a 团聚, it evokes a sense of deep familial love and nostalgia. The word 聚会 remains the safest, most encompassing umbrella term for all these social events. When in doubt about whether an event is a dinner, a party, or a casual hangout, '聚会' is almost always an accurate and polite choice. By expanding your vocabulary to include these related terms, you can describe your social life with much greater precision and cultural accuracy.

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Writing 3/5

Grammar to Know

Using 和/跟 for joint actions

Intransitive verbs vs. Transitive verbs

Expressing purpose with 为了

Time and Location phrases before verbs

Using measure words (次, 场) for events

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Examples by Level

1

我明天有一个聚会。

I have a party tomorrow.

Basic Subject + 有 (have) + Object structure.

2

周末有聚会吗？

Is there a party this weekend?

Yes/No question using 吗 at the end.

3

这是一个好聚会。

This is a good party.

Simple Subject + 是 + Noun phrase.

4

我不去聚会。

I am not going to the party.

Negation using 不 before the verb 去.

5

聚会在哪里？

Where is the party?

Question word 哪里 (where) used for location.

6

我的朋友在聚会。

My friend is at the party.

在 used as a verb meaning 'to be at'.

7

我们喜欢聚会。

We like parties.

Verb 喜欢 (like) followed by the noun.

8

聚会很大。

The party is very big.

Adjective predicate without 是, often needs 很.

1

周末我们在朋友家聚会。

We are having a gathering at a friend's house this weekend.

Location phrase (在朋友家) placed before the verb.

2

你想参加我们的聚会吗？

Do you want to attend our party?

Use of auxiliary verb 想 (want to) and verb 参加 (attend).

3

昨天的聚会非常好玩。

Yesterday's party was very fun.

Time word (昨天) modifying the noun with 的.

4

因为下雨，聚会取消了。

Because of the rain, the gathering was canceled.

因为 (because) indicating reason.

5

我买了一些水果去聚会。

I bought some fruit to take to the party.

Sequential verbs: 买 (buy) then 去 (go).

6

聚会上有很多好吃的东西。

There are many delicious things at the party.

Location + 有 + Noun structure indicating existence.

7

我们几点开始聚会？

What time do we start the gathering?

Question word 几点 (what time) placed before the verb.

8

对不起，我今晚有聚会，不能去。

Sorry, I have a gathering tonight, I can't go.

Using a reason to politely decline an invitation.

1

我和大学同学周末要聚会。

I am going to gather with my college classmates this weekend.

Intransitive verb usage: 和 + person + 聚会.

2

这次家庭聚会由我来组织。

I will organize this family gathering.

Passive/Delegation structure using 由 (by).

3

大家在聚会上聊得很开心。

Everyone chatted very happily at the gathering.

Degree complement using 得 (聊得很开心).

4

为了庆祝他毕业，我们办了一个聚会。

To celebrate his graduation, we threw a party.

为了 (in order to) indicating purpose.

5

虽然我很累，但还是参加了聚会。

Although I was tired, I still attended the gathering.

虽然...但还是... (Although... still...) conjunction pattern.

6

聚会结束的时候，已经半夜了。

When the party ended, it was already midnight.

...的时候 (when...) indicating time.

7

这是一家非常适合朋友聚会的餐厅。

This is a restaurant very suitable for friends' gatherings.

Complex noun phrase modifying 餐厅.

8

我们好久没聚会了，真想你们。

We haven't gathered in a long time, I really miss you guys.

好久没 + verb + 了 indicating an action hasn't happened for a long time.

1

毕业十年后的同学聚会让人感慨万千。

The class reunion ten years after graduation fills one with deep emotion.

Advanced vocabulary (感慨万千) and complex subject.

2

这次聚会不仅增进了感情，还扩大了人脉。

This gathering not only enhanced our affection but also expanded our network.

不仅...还... (not only... but also...) pattern.

3

由于突发情况，原定的聚会被迫推迟。

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the originally scheduled gathering was forced to be postponed.

Formal vocabulary (由于, 突发情况, 被迫).

4

他性格内向，不太适应这种喧闹的聚会场合。

He is introverted and not quite used to this kind of noisy party setting.

Descriptive adjectives (内向, 喧闹) and abstract noun (场合).

5

逢年过节，亲戚们总要聚会，这是传统习俗。

During festivals, relatives always gather; this is a traditional custom.

Idiomatic time expression (逢年过节).

6

无论多忙，我们每个月都会抽出时间聚会一次。

No matter how busy, we always make time to gather once a month.

无论...都... (no matter... always...) conditional pattern.

7

聚会上的气氛非常融洽，大家都畅所欲言。

The atmosphere at the gathering was very harmonious, and everyone spoke freely.

Advanced idioms (畅所欲言) and abstract nouns (气氛).

8

与其一个人在家无聊，不如去参加朋友的聚会。

Rather than being bored at home alone, it's better to go to a friend's party.

与其...不如... (rather than... it is better to...) pattern.

1

现代社会的快节奏使得这种纯粹为了联络感情的聚会变得越来越奢侈。

The fast pace of modern society makes this kind of gathering, purely for connecting emotionally, increasingly a luxury.

Complex causative structure using 使得 (makes/causes).

2

那场名流云集的聚会，实际上是一场暗流涌动的商业博弈。

That star-studded gathering was actually a business game with undercurrents surging.

Literary idioms (名流云集, 暗流涌动) and metaphorical usage.

3

他以身体不适为由，婉拒了所有无谓的社交聚会。

Using feeling unwell as an excuse, he politely declined all meaningless social gatherings.

Formal phrasing (以...为由, 婉拒).

4

聚会不仅仅是吃喝，更是维系中国社会复杂人际网络的重要纽带。

Gatherings are not just about eating and drinking; they are an important bond maintaining the complex interpersonal networks of Chinese society.

不仅仅是...更是... (not just... but even more so...) for deep analysis.

5

岁月流逝，昔日的好友如今已散落天涯，难得再有聚会的机会。

As time passes, former good friends are now scattered across the world, making opportunities to gather rare.

Poetic and literary expressions (岁月流逝, 散落天涯).

6

在这场别开生面的线上聚会中，大家通过屏幕分享着各自的喜怒哀乐。

In this unique online gathering, everyone shared their joys and sorrows through the screen.

Idiom (别开生面) and four-character compound (喜怒哀乐).

7

长辈们总喜欢在聚会上忆苦思甜，以此来教育年轻一代。

Elders always like to recall past sufferings and think of present happiness at gatherings, using this to educate the younger generation.

Cultural idiom (忆苦思甜) and purpose clause (以此来).

8

这场盛大的家族聚会，彰显了该家族在当地深厚的根基与影响力。

This grand clan gathering demonstrated the family's deep roots and influence in the local area.

Formal vocabulary (彰显, 根基, 影响力).

1

天下没有不散的筵席，每一次聚会都暗含着离别的哀愁。

There is no banquet in the world that does not end; every gathering implicitly contains the sorrow of parting.

Philosophical proverb (天下没有不散的筵席) and abstract emotion.

2

文人墨客的雅集聚会，往往能催生出流芳百世的诗词佳作。

The elegant gatherings of scholars and poets often give birth to literary masterpieces that endure through the ages.

Classical vocabulary (文人墨客, 雅集, 流芳百世).

3

在历史的洪流中，那次秘密聚会成为了改变国家命运的转折点。

In the torrent of history, that secret gathering became the turning point that changed the nation's destiny.

Historical narrative style (历史的洪流, 转折点).

4

他冷眼旁观着聚会上的阿谀奉承，内心却感到无比的孤独与荒凉。

He watched the flattery at the gathering with a detached eye, yet felt an incomparable loneliness and desolation in his heart.

Psychological depth and idioms (冷眼旁观, 阿谀奉承).

5

这种流于形式的聚会，早已剥离了其原本的情感内核，沦为名利场的社交表演。

This kind of formalistic gathering has long been stripped of its original emotional core, reduced to a social performance in the arena of fame and fortune.

Highly critical/analytical vocabulary (流于形式, 剥离, 名利场).

6

纵然相隔千山万水，只要心意相通，精神上的聚会便无时无刻不在进行。

Even if separated by thousands of mountains and rivers, as long as minds are connected, spiritual gatherings are happening all the time.

Concessive clause (纵然) and poetic imagery (千山万水).

7

宗族聚会不仅是血缘的认同，更是传统礼教与秩序的周期性重构。

Clan gatherings are not only an identification of bloodlines but also a periodic reconstruction of traditional ethics and order.

Sociological/Academic terminology (认同, 礼教, 周期性重构).

8

曲终人散后，聚会留下的不仅是一地狼藉，还有对生命无常的深深喟叹。

After the music ends and the crowd disperses, what the gathering leaves behind is not just a mess on the floor, but also a deep sigh over the impermanence of life.

Literary phrasing (曲终人散, 一地狼藉, 喟叹).

Synonyms

集会 派对 宴会 沙龙 联欢

Antonyms

解散 离别

Common Collocations

参加聚会
举办聚会
家庭聚会
朋友聚会
同学聚会
节日聚会
盛大聚会
秘密聚会
线上聚会
聚会地点

Common Phrases

周末聚会
难得的聚会
聚会活动
组织聚会
聚会邀请
聚会合影
聚会聊天
聚会迟到
聚会结束
聚会气氛

Often Confused With

聚会 vs 开会 (business meeting)

聚会 vs 约会 (romantic date)

聚会 vs 派对 (Western party)

Idioms & Expressions

"欢聚一堂"
"济济一堂"
"高朋满座"
"宾客盈门"
"胜友如云"
"群英荟萃"
"觥筹交错"
"把酒言欢"
"促膝长谈"
"天伦之乐"

Easily Confused

聚会 vs

聚会 vs

聚会 vs

聚会 vs

聚会 vs

Sentence Patterns

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How to Use It

note

While 聚会 is very common, for specific meals, 聚餐 is often preferred. For Western-style dancing/drinking events, 派对 is better.

Common Mistakes
  • Saying '聚会朋友' instead of '和朋友聚会'.
  • Using '聚会' for a business meeting (should be 开会).
  • Using '聚会' for a romantic date (should be 约会).
  • Pronouncing it with a 1st tone instead of the 4th tone.
  • Using the measure word '只' or '本' instead of '个', '次', or '场'.

Tips

Intransitive Verb Rule

Always remember that 聚会 cannot take an object. Never say '聚会他'. Say '和他聚会'. This is the #1 rule to sound native.

Use '聚一聚'

In casual spoken Chinese, repeating the verb as '聚一聚' (jù yi jù) sounds very friendly and natural. '周末我们聚一聚吧' means 'Let's get together this weekend.'

Expect Food

If someone invites you to a 聚会, go with an empty stomach. Food is the centerpiece of Chinese social gatherings. Refusing to eat can be seen as impolite.

Double 4th Tone

Both characters are 4th tone (jù huì). Make sure to pronounce them with a firm, falling pitch. Don't let your voice go up at the end.

Don't use for dates

If you are going on a romantic date, use 约会 (yuēhuì), not 聚会. Using 聚会 implies a group setting or a platonic hangout.

Verbs to pair with

Use 参加 (attend) if you are a guest. Use 举办 (hold) or 组织 (organize) if you are the host. '参加聚会' is the most common phrase.

Toasting Culture

At a 聚会, be prepared to toast (干杯 - gānbēi). It's a way to show respect and build relationships. You don't always have to finish your glass, despite the literal translation 'dry glass'.

The Perfect Excuse

Saying '我有聚会' is the ultimate polite excuse in China. People rarely ask for details, respecting your social commitments.

Measure Words

Upgrade your writing by using 次 (cì) or 场 (chǎng) instead of 个 (gè). '一场难忘的聚会' sounds much more poetic than '一个聚会'.

When to use 聚餐

If the event is 100% focused on eating (like a department dinner), use 聚餐 (jùcān) instead of 聚会 to be more precise.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine you 'GATHER' (聚) for a 'MEETING' (会) with friends. It's a party! Jùhuì sounds like 'Jewel Way' - imagine gathering on Jewel Way for a sparkling party.

Word Origin

The character 聚 (jù) originally depicted people gathering under a roof or around a market. 会 (huì) originally showed a lid covering a container, symbolizing things coming together. Combined, they strongly emphasize the physical and social convergence of people.

Cultural Context

Fighting for the bill (抢买单) is a common sight at a Chinese 聚会, though 'AA制' (going Dutch) is becoming popular among young people.

At a 聚会, the seat facing the door is usually reserved for the most important guest or the one paying the bill.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"你周末有什么聚会吗？ (Do you have any parties this weekend?)"

"你喜欢参加大型聚会还是小型聚会？ (Do you prefer large or small gatherings?)"

"你们同学聚会一般做什么？ (What do you usually do at class reunions?)"

"下次聚会我们去吃火锅怎么样？ (How about we eat hotpot for our next gathering?)"

"你最难忘的一次聚会是什么时候？ (When was your most unforgettable gathering?)"

Journal Prompts

Describe the best 聚会 you have ever attended.

Write an invitation to your friends for a weekend 聚会.

Explain the difference between a party in your country and a 聚会 in China.

Write a polite message declining a 聚会 because you are busy.

Reflect on why 聚会 is important for maintaining friendships.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, this is grammatically incorrect. 聚会 is an intransitive verb and cannot take a direct object. You must use a prepositional phrase. The correct way to say it is '和我的朋友聚会' (gather with my friends). This is a very common mistake for English speakers.

聚会 (jùhuì) is for social, fun, or family gatherings. 开会 (kāihuì) is for formal, business, or organizational meetings. If you go to a bar with friends, it's a 聚会. If you sit in a boardroom with your boss, it's an 开会.

派对 (pàiduì) is a loanword from the English 'party' and usually implies a Western-style event with music, dancing, or a specific theme. 聚会 is a traditional Chinese term that usually involves sitting around a table, eating a large meal, and chatting. All 派对 are a type of 聚会, but not all 聚会 are 派对.

The most common measure words are 次 (cì - time/occurrence) and 场 (chǎng - event/scene). For example, '一次聚会' (one gathering) or '一场盛大的聚会' (a grand gathering). You can also use 个 (gè) in casual speech, like '一个聚会', but 次 and 场 sound more natural.

You can say '周末我们有个聚会，你想来吗？' (We have a gathering this weekend, do you want to come?). Or more formally, '诚挚邀请您参加我们的聚会' (Sincerely invite you to attend our gathering). Keep it friendly and mention the time and place.

A very common and polite way is to say '不好意思，我那天有安排了' (Sorry, I already have plans that day). Or you can simply say '对不起，我今晚有别的聚会' (Sorry, I have another gathering tonight). Chinese culture values politeness, so always apologize first.

No, 聚会 can be used for any size of gathering, from two friends meeting for coffee to a massive 100-person college reunion. However, if it's just two people, sometimes '见面' (meet up) or '约' (hang out) is used more casually.

Yes, especially in recent years. You can say '线上聚会' (online gathering) or '云聚会' (cloud gathering). It refers to people meeting over video calls like Zoom or WeChat video.

Eating is the main activity. People usually go to a restaurant, sit at a round table, share dishes, and toast each other. After eating, they might go to a KTV (karaoke) to sing, or play board games like Mahjong or script-killing games (剧本杀).

It is a neutral word that fits almost all registers. It is perfectly fine for casual daily conversation, but it is also formal enough to be used in written invitations or news reports. It is highly versatile.

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