組合

• Reading: くみあい
• Romaji: kumiai
• Kanji breakdown: 組 (kumi) — group, assemble; 合 (ai) — join, fit together
• Pronunciation: /kɯ.mi.a.i/

Meaning

Association; union; cooperative. An organized group formed for a shared purpose.

A noun referring to organized bodies such as labor unions (労働組合), cooperatives (農業協同組合), and trade associations. Central to Japanese labor relations and civic life. Often shortened to 組合 in everyday speech when the type is clear from context.

Examples

1. 労働組合が賃金の交渉を行った。 The labor union negotiated wages.
2. 地域の農業組合に加入している。 I'm a member of the local agricultural cooperative.
3. 組合の会議は毎月第一月曜日に開かれる。 The union meeting is held on the first Monday of every month.

Usage Guide

Context: labor relations, agriculture, civic organizations

Tone: formal

Origin & History

Composed of 組 (group, assemble) and 合 (join, fit together). The combination conveys the idea of people assembling and joining forces for a common goal.

Cultural Context

Era: Meiji era

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal