Translation guide
A confederation is a union of states or groups that keep most of their independence but join together for common purposes. In Japanese, this concept is expressed with specific political terms, and the best choice depends on whether you mean a formal political union, a loose alliance, or a historical entity.
A formal union of sovereign states that delegate some powers to a central authority while retaining independence.
The standard term for a federation or confederation of states. Often used for countries like Switzerland (officially a confederation but called 連邦 in Japanese). Note that 連邦 can also mean 'federation', so context is needed to distinguish a looser confederation.
スイス連邦は、各州が大きな自治権を持つ連合国家です。
The Swiss Confederation is a union of states where each canton has significant autonomy.
Literally 'union of states', this term emphasizes a looser association than a federation. It is used in political science to describe confederations where member states retain sovereignty.
欧州連合は、国家連合の一形態と見なされることもあります。
The European Union is sometimes regarded as a form of confederation.
A general term for union, alliance, or coalition. Can be used for confederations but is broader and less precise. Often appears in names like 欧州連合 (European Union).
この連合は、共通の防衛政策を目的としています。
This confederation aims for a common defense policy.
A group of organizations, people, or states that cooperate for a specific purpose without a strong central government.
Means 'alliance' and is commonly used for military or political alliances. It implies a formal agreement but not necessarily a unified government.
その同盟は、経済的な利益のために結成されました。
The confederation was formed for economic benefits.
Means 'league' or 'federation', often used for associations of groups with a common interest, like sports leagues or labor unions. Can work for a confederation in non-political contexts.
Referring to a specific historical entity that was a confederation, such as the Confederate States of America.
The standard term for the Confederate States of America during the American Civil War. Literally 'Southern Union'.
南部連合は、1861年にアメリカ合衆国から脱退した州によって結成されました。
The Confederacy was formed in 1861 by states that seceded from the United States.
Can mean 'Confederate States' but is more commonly used for the Allied Powers in WWII. Use with caution to avoid confusion.
連邦 (federation) implies a stronger central government, while 国家連合 (confederation) implies a looser association where member states retain more sovereignty. In everyday Japanese, 連邦 is often used for both, but in political science, the distinction matters.
アメリカは連邦国家ですが、EUは国家連合に近いです。
The US is a federal state, but the EU is closer to a confederation.
The English word 'confederation' does not have a single direct equivalent in Japanese. The best translation depends heavily on context. Using 連邦 for a loose business alliance would sound odd; use 連合 or 同盟 instead.
The international football confederation is a union of football associations worldwide.
南北戦争では、連合国は北部の連邦に対して戦いました。
In the Civil War, the Confederacy fought against the Union.