連携

• Reading: れんけい
• Romaji: renkei
• Kanji breakdown: 連 (ren) — link, connect; 携 (kei) — carry, bring along
• Pronunciation: /ɾeɴ.keː/

Meaning

Cooperation; coordination; collaboration; working together in alignment toward a shared goal.

A noun and suru-verb emphasising coordinated teamwork between organisations, departments, or individuals. Stronger than 協力 (cooperation) in that it implies structured, ongoing coordination rather than one-off help. Very common in business and government: 連携を強化する (to strengthen collaboration), 産学連携 (industry-academia partnership).

Examples

1. 警察と消防が連携して救助活動にあたった。 The police and fire department worked together on the rescue operation.
2. 部門間の連携がうまくいかず納期に遅れた。 Poor coordination between departments led to a missed deadline.
3. 地域の病院が連携して医療体制を整えている。 Regional hospitals are coordinating to build a solid healthcare system.

Usage Guide

Context: business, government, healthcare, teamwork

Tone: professional

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 連 (ren, to link/connect) + 携 (kei, to carry/to bring along). Literally 'linking and bringing together,' conveying the image of joining hands to work as one unit.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal