Translation guide
This English phrase refers to the act of combining efforts, resources, or people to achieve a common goal. Japanese has several expressions that convey this idea, ranging from formal business terms to casual everyday phrases. The most common and versatile option is 協力する (kyōryoku suru), which means 'to cooperate' or 'to work together.'
To express the general idea of people or groups combining their efforts to achieve something.
The most standard and widely used term for 'cooperating' or 'joining forces.' It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
私たちはこのプロジェクトに協力しましょう。
Let's join forces on this project.
The two companies joined forces to develop a new product.
Literally 'to combine strength,' this phrase emphasizes pooling physical or mental effort. It is slightly more emotive and often used in motivational contexts.
みんなで力を合わせて、この問題を解決しよう。
Let's all join forces and solve this problem.
Literally 'to link hands,' this phrase implies forming a partnership or alliance, often with a strategic or business connotation.
あのライバル企業と手を組むとは驚きだ。
It's surprising that they're joining forces with that rival company.
Means 'to do together' or 'to collaborate.' It is more formal and often used in official or technical contexts.
両国は共同して環境問題に取り組むことで合意した。
The two countries agreed to join forces to tackle environmental issues.
To emphasize a formal or strategic union between groups, organizations, or countries.
Used for business partnerships, tie-ups, or alliances. It implies a formal agreement to work together.
当社は海外企業と提携して市場を拡大する。
Our company is joining forces with an overseas firm to expand the market.
Similar to 提携する but often used for cooperation between departments, agencies, or systems. It emphasizes coordination and linkage.
警察と消防が連携して救助活動を行った。
The police and fire department joined forces to carry out rescue operations.
Literally 'to form an alliance,' this is used for formal alliances, especially in political or military contexts.
小国同士が同盟を結んで大国に対抗した。
The small countries joined forces by forming an alliance to oppose the great power.
To express the idea of multiple entities merging into a single, unified force, often with a strong sense of solidarity.
Means 'to unite' or 'to band together,' often used for groups of people uniting for a common cause. It carries a strong sense of solidarity.
労働者たちは団結して賃上げを要求した。
The workers joined forces to demand a wage increase.
Literally 'to become one,' this is a more emotional and poetic way to express unity. It is often used in speeches or inspirational contexts.
今こそ我々は一つになって戦う時だ。
Now is the time for us to join forces and fight as one.
Means 'to band together' or 'to close ranks.' It implies a tight-knit unity, often in the face of adversity.
チームが結束して優勝を目指す。
The team joins forces and aims for the championship.
協力する is the most neutral and can be used in almost any situation. 力を合わせる emphasizes the pooling of effort and is often used when facing a challenge together. 手を組む implies a more strategic partnership, sometimes with a hint of opportunism.
The English phrase 'joining forces' can sound military or aggressive if translated literally (e.g., 力を結合する). The Japanese expressions above are more natural and idiomatic.