Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of a class reunion is commonly expressed with specific terms that vary by context. The most natural way is to use 同窓会 (どうそうかい), which refers to a reunion of alumni from the same school. For a more specific gathering of former classmates, クラス会 (クラスかい) is used. These events are often organized by a 幹事 (かんじ), or organizer.
Expressing the idea of a reunion for people who graduated from the same school or class.
The most common and general term for a class reunion or alumni gathering. It can refer to reunions for a specific graduating class or for all alumni of a school.
来月、高校の同窓会があります。
There's a high school class reunion next month.
同窓会で久しぶりに友達に会った。
I met friends I hadn't seen in a long time at the class reunion.
Specifically refers to a reunion of a single class (e.g., the same homeroom class). More narrow than 同窓会.
小学校のクラス会を開く予定です。
We're planning to hold an elementary school class reunion.
Literally 'same grade meeting,' this can also mean a class reunion but is less common than 同窓会. Sometimes used interchangeably.
大学の同級会に出席した。
I attended my university class reunion.
Referring to the person who plans and manages the reunion.
The organizer or coordinator of an event, such as a class reunion. This person handles invitations, venue booking, and logistics.
彼が同窓会の幹事をやってくれた。
He acted as the organizer for the class reunion.
Describing the act of going to or participating in a class reunion.
A formal way to say 'attend a class reunion.' 出席する is used for formal events.
来週の同窓会に出席しますか？
Will you attend the class reunion next week?
A casual way to say 'go to a class reunion.'
今夜、同窓会に行くんだ。
I'm going to the class reunion tonight.
同窓会 is a broader term that can refer to a reunion of all alumni from a school or a specific graduating year. クラス会 is more specific to a single class (e.g., Class 3-A). In many contexts, 同窓会 is the default and safest choice.
同窓会は学校全体の卒業生が集まることもある。
A 同窓会 can sometimes be a gathering of all graduates of the school.
クラス会は同じクラスだった人だけが集まる。
A クラス会 is only for people who were in the same class.
同窓会が楽しみです。
I'm looking forward to the class reunion.
私たちは5年ごとに同窓会を開いています。
We have a class reunion every five years.