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.
He is the chairman of the labor union.
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.
The most common word for marriage. Use this in almost all contexts.
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.
Join a union. (labor union)
The labor union is planning a strike.
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.
The parts of this machine are not joined together properly.
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.
The two companies merged to form a large corporation.
Philosophical or spiritual union, oneness. Rare in daily conversation.
Training aimed at union with God.
The two married and built a happy home.
Formal or legal term for marriage, often used in official documents.
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.
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).
The European Union is made up of many countries.
Alliance or league, often military or political. Implies a pact or treaty.
The Japan-U.S. alliance is the foundation of security.
Federation, such as the former Soviet Union (ソビエト連邦).
The Soviet Union collapsed in 1991.
Student self-government association, common in Japanese universities. Functions similarly to a student union.
The student union organizes the cultural festival.
Another term for student council or union, slightly less formal.
I ran for an officer position in the student union.
The mathematical term for union of sets.
Find the union of A and B.
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.