Translation guide
The English word 'members' refers to people belonging to a group, organization, or family. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is メンバー, but other words are used depending on the context, such as formal organizations, clubs, or family.
Referring to people who belong to a team, group, or informal organization.
The most common and versatile word for 'members' in everyday contexts, such as teams, project groups, or bands. It is a loanword from English and widely understood.
チームのメンバーはみんな若いです。
The team members are all young.
新しいメンバーを募集しています。
We are recruiting new members.
A more formal term meaning 'a member' (of a group). Often used in phrases like 〜の一員 (a member of ~).
彼は家族の一員です。
He is a member of the family.
社会の一員として責任を果たす。
Fulfill one's responsibility as a member of society.
A formal term for 'members' as constituents of an organization, often used in legal or official contexts.
委員会の構成員は10名です。
The committee has ten members.
Referring to people who officially belong to a club, society, or institution.
Used for members of a formal organization like a club, society, or association. Often implies a registered or paying member.
このジムの会員ですか？
Are you a member of this gym?
会員限定のイベントがあります。
There is an event for members only.
Specifically for members of a school or university club (部活).
Refers to employees or members of a company. Note: this means 'company employee', not a member in the sense of a club.
Only use for company employees, not for club or group members.
Referring to people in one's family.
The most common word for 'family' as a unit, but can also refer to family members collectively.
家族は4人です。
There are four members in my family.
Literally 'a member of the family', used to emphasize belonging.
犬も家族の一員です。
The dog is also a member of the family.
Referring to elected officials in a parliament or congress.
メンバー is the most general and casual. 会員 implies formal membership with registration or fees. 一員 is more abstract and formal, often used in phrases like 〜の一員.
社員 specifically means 'company employee'. Using it for club or group members would be incorrect.
There are 30 members in the tennis club.
彼は大手企業の社員です。
He is an employee of a major company.