同盟

どうめい

alliance, union, league

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"同盟" (tóngméng) refers to an alliance or coalition formed between countries, organizations, or groups to achieve common goals. It often implies a formal agreement or pact.

Common Contexts

It is frequently used in political and military contexts, such as alliances between nations during wars. It can also describe cooperative partnerships in business or social groups.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 西同盟 (anti-fascist alliance): used in historical/political contexts.
  • 战略同盟 (strategic alliance): common in business or military strategy.
  • 学习同盟 (study alliance): informal, used among students or groups collaborating.

Nuances

Using "同盟" emphasizes a formal or semi-formal cooperative relationship, often with mutual benefits and shared objectives. It differs from "联盟" which can be broader and less formal.

Common Confusion

"同盟" vs. "联盟": Both mean alliance, but "同盟" often stresses a more binding or official pact, especially in political or military contexts, while "联盟" can be more general and flexible.

Example Sentences

During World War II, many countries formed an anti-fascist alliance.

These two companies established a strategic alliance to jointly develop new

The students formed a study alliance to help each other improve their