Translation guide
The English word "gang" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: a criminal group, a group of friends, a group of workers, and the act of forming a group. Japanese uses different words for each.
Referring to an organized group involved in illegal activities, like the mafia or street gangs.
The standard term for organized crime syndicates (yakuza). Formal and commonly used in news.
The police searched the gang's office.
Loanword from English, often used for street gangs or in a more general sense. Can sound slightly more casual or media-oriented.
He's a member of a gang.
Specifically refers to the Japanese mafia. Can be used colloquially or in media, but be aware it carries cultural weight.
That area is yakuza territory.
Literally "delinquent group," used for youth gangs or street toughs, not organized crime.
A gang of delinquents is hanging out in front of the station.
A casual group of friends or acquaintances, often used playfully.
General term for companions, buddies, or pals. Can be used for any close group.
I get together with my usual gang on weekends.
A somewhat rough or familiar way to say "those guys" or "the gang." Often used by men.
The loanword "group" is very common and neutral. Works for any kind of group, including friends.
A team of people working together, such as a road crew or a film crew.
Means a group or party of people, often used for workers or travelers. Formal nuance.
A gang of workers was repairing the road.
A squad, team, or crew, often used in work or military contexts.
Loanword "team," very common and natural for any collaborative group.
The verb meaning to gather or join together, often with a negative connotation of ganging up on someone.
Use 集団で (as a group) with a verb to express doing something as a gang.
They ganged up on me.
A set phrase meaning to form a clique or gang, often with a negative nuance of conspiring.
Verb meaning to crowd or flock together, often used for animals or people in a negative sense (like "they always hang around in a pack").
While ギャング can mean "gang" in the criminal sense, it is not used for a group of friends. Use 仲間 or グループ instead.
暴力団 is the formal, legal term for organized crime groups. やくざ is more colloquial and can refer to the subculture. In news, 暴力団 is standard.
あの連中と遊ぶのは楽しい。
Hanging out with that gang is fun.
私たちのグループはいつも一緒に昼食をとる。
Our gang always eats lunch together.
The work gang has arrived.
The film gang was working from early morning.
They ganged up and committed fraud.
あいつらはいつも群れている。
Those guys are always ganging together.