Japanese word

共済

Pronunciation

Romajikyōsai

Meaning

  • nounmutual aid

Example

会社の共済に加入しています。kai sha no kyō sai ni ka nyū shi te i ma su

I am enrolled in the company mutual aid program.

Illustration for 共済 (mutual aid)

More examples

退職後の生活に備えて、共済を見直しました。tai shoku go no sei katsu ni sona e te kyō sai o mi nao shi ma shi ta

I reviewed my mutual aid coverage to prepare for life after retirement.

Core concept

It centers on people pooling resources so that the group can support any member facing a shared risk.

Common phrases

  • 共済に加入するkyō sai ni ka nyū su ru

    join a mutual aid program

  • 共済に入るkyō sai ni hai ru

    join a mutual aid program

Similar words

相互扶助sōgofujo: Mutual support in which members contribute resources to help one another when needs arise.
互助gojo: Help exchanged among members of a group to meet needs shared within the group.
保険hoken: A contract that provides payment or coverage for specified risks in return for premiums.

Definition in Japanese

組合員や関係者が掛け金を出し合い、病気や災害などの際に互いに助け合う制度。kumi ai in ya kan kei sha ga ka ke kin o da shi a i byō ki ya sai gai na do no sai ni taga i ni tasu ke a u sei do

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese compound 共済 (kyōsai, "mutual aid") combines 共 (kyō, "together") and 済 (sai, "to help or relieve"), expressing people helping one another.

Usage tips

  • In Japan, 共済 (kyōsai) often refers to a member-based insurance system operated for the benefit of its members, so a company 共済 (kyōsai) can be a workplace mutual-aid plan.

Other meanings

  • cooperative insurancenoun

Word lists with this word