加盟

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 加盟(かめい) means joining an association or organization as a formal member.
• Basic usage: It describes joining bodies such as a shopping district association or an international organization.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Membership compared with 参加
  • 参加(さんか) means taking part in an event or activity. 加盟 means becoming an organization's member, so the first example's decision to join and participation in an event are distinct actions.