Translation guide
How to express membership in Japanese, including joining, being a member, and membership systems.
I am a member.
Do you have a membership card?
Expressing that someone is a member of a club, organization, team, etc.
The most direct way to say someone is a member. 会員 (かいいん) means 'member'. Replace 〜 with the organization name.
He is a member of the gym.
Literally 'has entered', this is a very common way to say someone is a member of a group or organization. It implies ongoing membership.
I'm in the tennis club.
Loanword from English, used for members of a team, group, or band. Often used with だ/です.
A more formal term for 'member', often used in phrases like 〜の一員として (as a member of).
Referring to a membership system, card, or fee.
Means 'membership system'. Used for clubs, websites, etc. that require membership.
This site requires membership.
Membership card. 会員 (member) + カード (card).
Do you have a membership card?
Membership fee or dues. Used for clubs, associations, etc.
Expressing the action of joining an organization.
To join (a club, society, etc.). Formal, often used for official memberships.
I'd like to become a member.
To enter/join. Very common for joining clubs, teams, etc. Use with に.
To join (an organization, insurance, etc.). More formal than 入る.
To take out insurance (literally: join insurance).
入会 (にゅうかい) is specifically for joining a club or society with a membership system. 加入 (かにゅう) is used for joining organizations, insurance, or systems. 入る (はいる) is the most general and casual way to say 'join'.
The English word 'membership' is sometimes used as メンバーシップ in Japanese, but it's not common and can sound unnatural. Use 会員制 or 会員資格 (かいいんしかく) instead for the concept of membership.
彼はチームのメンバーだ。
He is a member of the team.
社会の一員として責任を果たす。
Fulfill one's responsibility as a member of society.
How much is the annual membership fee?
I want to join a club.