Translation guide
How to express the idea of being present at an event, school, work, or meeting in Japanese. Includes words for attendance itself, phrases for taking attendance, and ways to talk about presence or absence.
Referring to the act of being present, or the record of presence, especially in schools, workplaces, or events.
The most common word for attendance, especially in schools, meetings, and formal settings. Can refer to the act of attending or the record of attendance.
I will take attendance today.
Participation or attendance, often used for events, activities, or groups. Implies active involvement rather than just being present.
Attendance and absence; often used in formal contexts like 'attendance record' or 'roll call'. More about the binary state of presence/absence.
The action of checking who is present, often in a classroom or meeting.
Standard phrase for 'take attendance'. Used by teachers or meeting leaders.
Referring to the percentage or record of attendance, often in school or work contexts.
The simple act of being there, often in casual or everyday situations.
The most basic way to say 'be present'. Use with location particle に.
Referring to the number of people attending an event, or the act of going to an event.
Expressing not being present, often needed alongside attendance.
出席 (shusseki) is used for formal attendance where presence is recorded, like school or meetings. 参加 (sanka) implies active participation, like joining a club or event. Use 出席 for roll-call situations, 参加 for voluntary involvement.
attend a meeting (be present)
He attended the meeting.
Participation in the event is optional.
出欠を確認します。
I will check attendance (and absences).
The teacher takes attendance every morning.
Literally 'take roll call', often used in military, school trips, or formal group settings where names are called out.
We took roll call on the bus.
Attendance rate. Commonly used in schools and companies.
His attendance rate is 90%.
Attendance register or roll book. The physical or digital record of attendance.
Please write your name in the attendance register.
会議にいましたか？
Were you at the meeting?
Literally 'show one's face', meaning to make an appearance or drop by briefly. Casual.
I dropped by the party for a bit.
Spectators or audience. Used for sports, concerts, theater.
The attendance was 50,000 people.
Visitors or attendees, often used for exhibitions, trade shows, or events.
The number of attendees increased compared to last year.
Absence. The direct opposite of 出席. Used in formal contexts.
Please contact us if you will be absent.
Rest, holiday, or absence. More casual and general than 欠席.
I was absent from school today.
イベントに参加する (active participation)
participate in an event
In casual conversation, saying '出席する' for 'I'll be there' can sound stiff. Instead, use 行く (iku, go) or いる (iru, be there). Reserve 出席 for formal contexts.