Meaning and Usage
"同盟" (どうめい) refers to a formal alliance or union, often between countries or organizations, to cooperate for mutual benefit, especially in political, military, or economic contexts.
Common Contexts
It is frequently used in discussions about international relations, military alliances, and political partnerships. For example, NATO is a well-known military 同盟.
Collocations and Patterns
- 同盟を結ぶ (どうめいをむすぶ): to form an alliance
- 同盟国 (どうめいこく): allied country
- 経済同盟 (けいざいどうめい): economic alliance
These collocations highlight the formal and often strategic nature of the alliance.
Register and Nuance
The term is formal and used in official or serious contexts. It is not used for casual partnerships or friendships.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse 同盟 with 連盟 (れんめい), which also means league or federation but can imply a looser or more temporary association. 同盟 implies a stronger, often treaty-based bond.