Translation guide
The English word "conference" covers a range of gatherings, from large academic events to small business meetings. Japanese uses different words depending on the scale, formality, and purpose.
A large-scale event with many attendees, presentations, and sessions, often held over several days.
Refers to an academic conference or congress, typically for a specific field of study.
来月、東京で国際学会があります。
There is an international conference in Tokyo next month.
Literally 'international conference', used for large-scale global meetings, often political or scientific.
環境問題についての国際会議が開かれた。
An international conference on environmental issues was held.
A large meeting or convention, often used for sports, academic, or professional gatherings.
日本物理学会の年次大会に参加した。
I attended the annual conference of the Physical Society of Japan.
A formal meeting within a company or between organizations to discuss specific topics.
The most common word for a business meeting or conference. Can be used for internal meetings or formal discussions.
午後から重要な会議があります。
I have an important conference this afternoon.
A more casual, often smaller meeting to coordinate or discuss details. Not as formal as 会議.
Formal discussion or deliberation, often used in official or legal contexts.
A meeting where information is given to journalists.
Standard term for a press conference.
首相が記者会見を開いた。
The prime minister held a press conference.
Loanword from English, used in some contexts but less common than 記者会見.
プレスカンファレンスは午後3時からです。
The press conference is from 3 p.m.
A meeting held remotely via video or phone.
Video conference, commonly used in business.
海外支社とテレビ会議をします。
We'll have a video conference with the overseas branch.
Conference call, specifically audio-only.
Online meeting, a broader term that includes video and web conferences.
今日はオンライン会議が3件あります。
I have three online conferences today.
An organized group of sports teams that compete against each other.
Used for sports leagues or federations, e.g., 日本野球連盟 (Japan Baseball League).
彼はサッカー連盟の会長です。
He is the president of the football conference.
Loanword 'league', often used interchangeably with 連盟 but more casual.
The English word "conference" is often translated as 会議, but this is mainly for business meetings. For academic conferences, use 学会 or 大会. For press conferences, use 記者会見. Using 会議 for all types can sound unnatural.
会議 is a formal meeting, often with a set agenda and minutes. 打ち合わせ is a more informal meeting to coordinate or discuss details, often without strict formalities.
プロジェクトの打ち合わせをしましょう。
Let's have a conference about the project.
The two companies held a conference on the merger.
電話会議の準備をお願いします。
Please prepare for the conference call.
This team belongs to a professional conference.