联盟

• Pinyin: lián méng
• Hanzi breakdown: 联 = 耳 (ear) + 关, connect/unite; 盟 = 明 + 皿, sworn alliance

Meaning

Alliance; league; union. An organized association of parties with common interests.

Used in political, military, sports, and business contexts. Common examples: 欧盟 (European Union), 北约联盟 (NATO alliance), 英雄联盟 (League of Legends, the game), 战略联盟 (strategic alliance). Can describe formal treaties or informal coalitions.

Examples

1. 两家科技公司宣布结成战略联盟，共同开发新产品。 Two tech companies announced a strategic alliance to jointly develop new products.
2. 这个国际联盟成立于二战结束之后，旨在维护世界和平。 This international alliance was established after World War II, aiming to maintain world peace.
3. 他们在游戏里组建了一个联盟，每周一起打团战。 They formed an alliance in the game and play team battles together every week.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, business, gaming

Tone: formal

Do Say

• 他们组成了联盟。(They formed an alliance.)
• 这个联盟有五十个成员国。(This alliance has fifty member countries.)

Don't Say

• 把联盟和联合混用 (联盟 implies formal organization; 联合 is the act of uniting)

Origin & History

Compound of 联 (connect/unite) + 盟 (oath/covenant). Originally referred to sworn alliances, now broader.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal