A title or role in an organization, often a government office, company, or committee. Typically refers to a mid-to-senior level official who assists in decision-making or administration.
He works as a secretary at the city hall.
They discussed the new policy at the council meeting.
He serves as a councillor at the city office.
She was newly appointed as a councillor.
My father served as a councillor at the prefectural office for many years.
理事 is a director or board member with formal authority, whereas 参事 is usually a senior staff advisor without that level of governing power.
顧問 is an outside or in-house advisor consulted on specific matters, while 参事 is a formal title held as a regular staff position.
参事 is a broad term for a senior staff member or advisor, while 参事官 is the specific official title used in government ministries and diplomatic missions.
参事 (a councillor or advisor) is pronounced identically to 惨事 but has a completely unrelated meaning, so context is essential.
参 (to participate, consult) + 事 (matter, affair). The compound originally referred to someone who participates in or advises on official matters.