Translation guide
The English word "club" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: a group or organization, a place for entertainment, a blunt weapon, and a suit in cards.
A group of people organized for a common purpose, such as a hobby, sport, or social activity.
The most common and versatile word for 'club' in the sense of an organized group. Used for school clubs, sports clubs, fan clubs, etc.
私は学校のテニスクラブに入っています。
I'm in the school tennis club.
彼は写真クラブを作った。
He started a photography club.
Often used for university clubs or hobby circles, especially those that are more casual or social. Can imply a less formal, more interest-based group than クラブ.
大学で料理サークルに入った。
I joined a cooking circle at university.
Used specifically for school clubs (especially in middle/high school) as part of the name, e.g., 野球部 (baseball club). Often combined with the activity name.
彼はサッカー部のキャプテンだ。
He's the captain of the soccer club.
A more formal term for an association of people with a common interest, sometimes used for workplace or community clubs.
会社の写真同好会で展示会を開いた。
We held an exhibition at the company photography club.
A place where people go to dance, drink, and socialize, often at night.
The standard word for a nightclub or dance club. Can also refer to a club that plays specific music genres.
週末はいつもクラブに行く。
I always go to clubs on weekends.
あのクラブは入場料が高い。
That club has a high entrance fee.
Refers to a disco or discotheque. Now somewhat dated, but still understood. Often associated with the 1970s-80s.
A heavy stick or blunt object used as a weapon.
The general term for a club or cudgel used as a weapon. Can refer to anything from a baseball bat to a primitive club.
犯人は棍棒で被害者を殴った。
The assailant struck the victim with a club.
Alternate kanji form of 棍棒, same meaning and reading.
In golf, クラブ means a golf club. Not used for a weapon in Japanese.
Do not use クラブ to mean a weapon; it only means a golf club or a group/venue.
One of the four suits in a deck of playing cards (clubs).
The standard word for the suit of clubs in playing cards.
クラブのエースを出した。
I played the ace of clubs.
Sometimes used to refer to the club suit, as the symbol resembles a clover. Less common than クラブ.
The word クラブ can mean a group, a nightclub, or a golf club. Context usually makes it clear, but be careful when translating directly from English. For a weapon, use 棍棒 (こんぼう).
For school clubs, 部 (ぶ) is used in official names (e.g., 野球部). クラブ is more general and can be used for any club. サークル is common for university hobby groups and often implies a more relaxed, social atmosphere.
高校ではバスケ部だった。
I was in the basketball club in high school.
大学の映画サークルは楽しい。
The university film circle is fun.
Explicitly means 'nightclub'. Slightly more descriptive, but クラブ is more common in casual conversation.
彼はナイトクラブで働いている。
He works at a nightclub.
I used to go to discos a lot back in the day.
彼はこん棒を振り回した。
He swung a club around.
He bought a new golf club.
クローバーのキングを持っている。
I have the king of clubs.