コネ

• Reading: コネ
• Romaji: kone
• Pronunciation: /ko.ne/

Meaning

Connection; pull; personal contacts used to gain advantage.

Short for コネクション (connection). Refers to personal relationships or networks that help someone get a job, favour, or opportunity. Often carries a slightly negative connotation, implying that merit was bypassed. Commonly used in discussions about employment and social advancement.

Examples

1. 彼はコネで入社したと噂されている。 There are rumors that he got the job through connections.
2. コネがなくても実力で勝負できる時代だ。 It's an era where you can compete on ability even without connections.
3. 就職活動ではコネを使う人も少なくない。 Quite a few people use connections during their job search.

Usage Guide

Context: employment, business, social commentary

Tone: slightly negative

Origin & History

Abbreviation of コネクション, from English 'connection.' Entered Japanese during the post-war period when personal networks played a significant role in business and employment.

Cultural Context

Era: Post-war

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal