国際連合

• Reading: こくさいれんごう
• Romaji: kokusai rengou
• Kanji breakdown: 国 (koku) — country; 際 (sai) — border; 連 (ren) — connect, link; 合 (gō) — unite, join
• Pronunciation: /ko.kɯ.sa.i.ɾeɴ.ɡoː/

Meaning

United Nations; the international organisation established in 1945 to promote peace, security, and cooperation.

The formal Japanese name for the United Nations. Often abbreviated to 国連 (kokuren) in everyday speech and news. Japan joined in 1956 and is a major financial contributor. Common phrases: 国際連合総会 (UN General Assembly), 国際連合安全保障理事会 (UN Security Council). The full name is used in formal and academic writing.

Examples

1. 国際連合は1945年に設立された国際機関だ。 The United Nations is an international organization established in 1945.
2. 国際連合の本部はニューヨークにある。 The headquarters of the United Nations is in New York.
3. 国際連合の加盟国は現在190か国を超えている。 The number of United Nations member states currently exceeds 190.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, international relations, news

Tone: formal

Origin & History

Compound of 国際 (kokusai, international) + 連合 (rengō, union, alliance). A direct translation of 'United Nations' — nations united internationally.

Cultural Context

Era: Post-war

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal