verb HSK 4
Traditional 參
to participate · to join · to take part in
Meaning
参 means to participate or take part in something. It is commonly used in formal and semi-formal contexts when talking about attending meetings, joining activities, or participating in events. The character is often seen in compound words related to participation and involvement.
Usage
This character rarely appears alone in modern Mandarin. It is almost always used in compounds like 参加 (cānjiā, to participate), 参与 (cānyù, to participate in), or 参观 (cānguān, to visit/tour). When used independently, it tends to appear in formal or literary contexts.
Examples
- 01我想参加明天的会议。.I want to attend tomorrow's meeting.
- 02欢迎大家参与讨论。.Everyone is welcome to participate in the discussion.
Common collocations
- 参加会议to attend a meeting
- 参与活动to participate in activities
- 参观博物馆to visit a museum
Antonyms
Origin
The traditional form 參 originally depicted three stars aligned, suggesting the idea of joining or coming together. Over time, it evolved to mean participation and involvement.