Translation guide
The English word "union" covers a wide range of meanings, from formal organizations like labor unions to abstract concepts of joining or combining things. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese expression based on the specific meaning you intend.
An organized association of workers formed to protect and further their rights and interests.
The standard term for a labor union. Often abbreviated to 労組 (ろうそ) in news or formal writing.
彼は労働組合の委員長です。
He is the chairman of the labor union.
労働組合がストライキを計画している。
The labor union is planning a strike.
Loanword from English, often used in names of specific unions or in a more international context. Less common in everyday speech than 労働組合.
The process or result of joining two or more things together, physically or abstractly.
The state of being married; the relationship between spouses.
A group of states or countries that have joined together for a common purpose.
An organization for students at a university or college, often providing services or representing students.
The set containing all the elements of two or more sets.
The English word 'union' is very broad. Simply using ユニオン or 結合 in every case will often sound unnatural. Always identify the specific meaning first.
労働組合に入る。
Join a union. (labor union)
二つの川が合流する。
The two rivers join. (not 'union')
結合 is general joining/combining. 合体 implies merging into one body, often physical. 連合 is for organized groups (nations, organizations) forming a union.
彼は全日本ユニオンのメンバーだ。
He is a member of the All Japan Union.
General term for combining or joining. Used in technical, scientific, and everyday contexts.
この機械は部品の結合が不十分だ。
The parts of this machine are not joined together properly.
水素と酸素の結合で水ができる。
Water is formed by the union of hydrogen and oxygen.
Often used for merging or combining into one entity, sometimes with a nuance of physical fusion. Common in sci-fi or anime for robots combining.
二つの会社が合体して大きな企業になった。
The two companies merged to form a large corporation.
Philosophical or spiritual union, oneness. Rare in daily conversation.
神との合一を目指す修行。
Training aimed at union with God.
The most common word for marriage. Use this in almost all contexts.
二人は結婚して幸せな家庭を築いた。
The two married and built a happy home.
Formal or legal term for marriage, often used in official documents.
婚姻届を提出する。
Submit a marriage registration.
The marital bond, emphasizing the emotional connection. Not a direct translation of 'union' but conveys the idea of a strong marital tie.
長年連れ添った夫婦の絆は深い。
The bond of a couple who have been together for many years is deep.
Used for political or economic unions, such as the European Union (欧州連合).
欧州連合は多くの国々で構成されている。
The European Union is made up of many countries.
Alliance or league, often military or political. Implies a pact or treaty.
日米同盟は安全保障の基盤だ。
The Japan-U.S. alliance is the foundation of security.
Federation, such as the former Soviet Union (ソビエト連邦).
ソビエト連邦は1991年に崩壊した。
The Soviet Union collapsed in 1991.
Student self-government association, common in Japanese universities. Functions similarly to a student union.
学生自治会が文化祭を主催する。
The student union organizes the cultural festival.
Another term for student council or union, slightly less formal.
学生会の役員に立候補した。
I ran for an officer position in the student union.
The mathematical term for union of sets.
AとBの和集合を求めなさい。
Find the union of A and B.
molecular bond
ロボットが合体する
The robots combine.
国際連合
United Nations
molecular bond
ロボットが合体する
The robots combine.
国際連合
United Nations