Japanese word

組合

Pronunciation

Romajikumiai

Meaning

  • noununion

Example

地域の組合に入りました。chi iki no kumi ai ni hai ri ma shi ta

I joined the local union.

Illustration for 組合 (union)

More examples

その組合は新しい規則に反対しています。so no kumi ai wa atara shi i ki soku ni han tai shi te i ma su

That union opposes the new rule.

Core concept

Presents separate members as a single organized body that works toward common interests.

Common phrases

  • 組合に加入するkumi ai ni ka nyū su ru

    join a union

  • 組合と交渉するkumi ai to kō shō su ru

    negotiate with a union

  • 組合の代表kumi ai no dai hyō

    union representative

Similar words

協会kyōkai: A formal organization centered on a shared field, activity, or purpose.
団体dantai: An organized group of people connected by a shared purpose or activity.

Definition in Japanese

同じ目的や利益を持つ人々が協力するために作った団体。ona ji moku teki ya ri eki o mo tsu hito bito ga kyō ryoku su ru ta me ni tsuku tta dan tai

Word origin

組合 (kumiai) combines 組む (kumu, "to form a group") with 合う (au, "to come together") in their continuative forms, giving the sense of a group formed through mutual cooperation.

Usage tips

  • The English word union can describe both a labor organization and a wider association, and the broader sense is frequent in Japanese uses of 組合 (kumiai).

Other meanings

  • associationnoun

Related words

  • 組合員kumiaiinunion membernoun

Word lists with this word