統合

• Reading: とうごう
• Romaji: tougou
• Kanji breakdown: 統 (tou) — govern, unify, lead; 合 (gou) — combine, join, fit
• Pronunciation: /toː.ɡoː/

Meaning

Integration; unification or consolidation of separate parts into a unified whole.

A noun and suru-verb used across many domains. In business, 企業統合 means corporate merger/consolidation. In IT, システム統合 means system integration. In politics, 統合 can refer to the unification of territories or organisations. As a transitive suru-verb, 統合する means to integrate or unify. Related terms include 統合的 (integrated, as a na-adjective) and 統合失調症 (schizophrenia, literally 'integration-disorder illness').

Examples

1. 二つの会社が統合して新しい企業が誕生した。 Two companies merged to create a new corporation.
2. データベースを統合する作業に三か月かかった。 It took three months to complete the work of integrating the databases.
3. ヨーロッパの経済統合は長い時間をかけて進められた。 European economic integration has progressed over a long period of time.

Usage Guide

Context: business, IT, politics, academic

Tone: professional

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 統 (tou, to govern/unify) + 合 (gou, to combine/join). Literally 'to govern together,' emphasising the act of bringing disparate elements under unified control or structure.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Professional