参加 (cānjiā) — Participate
HSK 4 | verb | to participate, to join, to attend
参加 (cānjiā)
参加 means to take part in or join an activity, event, or organization.
Meanings
- [verb] to participate in; to join; to attend; to take part in
Example Sentences
我想参加这次国际会议。 Wǒ xiǎng cānjiā zhè cì guójì huìyì. I want to participate in this international conference.
他参加了学校的篮球队。 Tā cānjiāle xuéxiào de lánqiú duì. He joined the school basketball team.
请问，我可以参加你们的活动吗？ Qǐngwèn, wǒ kěyǐ cānjiā nǐmen de huódòng ma? Excuse me, may I join your activity?
她参加工作已经有五年了。 Tā cānjiā gōngzuò yǐjīng yǒu wǔ nián le. She has been working for five years already.
Collocations
| Collocation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 参加比赛 | to participate in a competition |
| 参加会议 | to attend a meeting |
| 参加活动 | to join an activity |
| 参加工作 | to start working (join the workforce) |
Usage Notes
参加 is one of the most common verbs in Chinese and is used across a wide range of contexts. The phrase 参加工作 specifically means to start one's career (entering the workforce) and is a set expression commonly used in official documents or resumes.
Memory Hook
参 looks like a person putting up three arms in excitement, eager to 加 (add themselves) to an activity -- that enthusiasm is what 参加 (to join/participate) is all about.