Meaning and Usage
"統合" (とうごう) refers to the act of combining or unifying multiple elements into a single whole. It is often used in formal contexts such as business, technology, and politics.
Common Contexts
You will frequently encounter "統合" when talking about merging departments in a company, integrating data from different sources, or unifying political entities. It implies a deliberate and systematic process rather than a casual combination.
Collocations and Patterns
- 統合する: to integrate or unify
- 統合データ: integrated data
- 統合的なアプローチ: an integrated approach
These collocations highlight the word's use in technical and organizational settings.
Register and Nuance
"統合" is a formal noun and is often used in written or professional speech. It is not typically used in casual conversation.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "統合" with "合併" (merger), but "統合" emphasizes the process of integration and synthesis, while "合併" often refers specifically to mergers, especially in business or legal contexts.