同盟

• Pinyin: tóng méng
• Hanzi breakdown: 同 = together; 盟 = 明 + 皿 — oath, alliance

Meaning

Alliance; league; to form an alliance.

A formal agreement between parties to cooperate, especially in political, military, or strategic contexts. Can refer to the alliance itself, the member states, or the act of allying.

Examples

1. 两国签署了军事同盟条约，承诺在战时互相援助。 The two countries signed a military alliance treaty, pledging mutual assistance in times of war.
2. 各大科技公司组成同盟，共同制定行业标准。 Major tech companies formed an alliance to jointly establish industry standards.
3. 孙中山创立的同盟会是中国近代史上重要的革命组织。 The Tongmenghui founded by Sun Yat-sen was an important revolutionary organization in modern Chinese history.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, military, business

Tone: official

Do Say

• 结成同盟。(Form an alliance.)
• 同盟国。(Allied nations.)

Don't Say

• 把朋友之间的友谊叫'同盟' (同盟 implies formal strategic alliance — for friendships, use 朋友 or 友谊)

Origin & History

同 means together, 盟 means oath/alliance — an alliance sworn together.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal