連合

• Reading: れんごう
• Romaji: rengou
• Kanji breakdown: 連 (ren) — connect, link; 合 (gou) — unite, combine
• Pronunciation: /ɾeɴ.ɡoː/

Meaning

Union; alliance; coalition; confederation. A formal grouping of parties united for a common purpose.

A noun and suru-verb for formal alliances between organisations, nations, or groups. Used in major proper nouns: 国際連合 (United Nations), 連合国 (Allied Powers), 日本労働組合総連合会 (commonly shortened to 連合, Japan's largest trade union federation). Implies a structured, official partnership.

Examples

1. 複数の政党が連合を組んで選挙に臨んだ。 Multiple political parties formed a coalition to contest the election.
2. 連合軍が共同で作戦を展開した歴史がある。 There is a history of allied forces conducting joint operations.
3. 労働者の連合が賃上げを要求している。 A workers' union is demanding a pay raise.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, history, labour, international relations

Tone: serious

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 連 (ren, to connect/link) + 合 (gou, to unite/combine). Literally 'linked together,' a term used for political, military, and labour alliances since the Meiji era.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal