Meaning and Usage
The word "連盟" (れんめい) refers to a league, union, or alliance, typically formed by multiple organizations or countries coming together for a common purpose. It is often used in formal or official contexts such as international organizations, sports associations, or labor unions.
Common Contexts
You will frequently encounter "連盟" in contexts involving cooperation or coordination between groups, such as the "国際連盟" (League of Nations) or "サッカー連盟" (soccer league). It implies a structured and recognized partnership rather than a casual group.
Collocations and Patterns
- 国際連盟: international league or alliance, often historical or diplomatic
- サッカー連盟: sports league or association, especially soccer
- 労働連盟: labor union federation
These collocations show how "連盟" is combined with the type of group or activity it represents.
Register and Nuance
"連盟" is a formal noun and is rarely used in casual conversation. It conveys an official or institutional tone. When using it, expect the context to be somewhat serious or organizational.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "連盟" with "連合" (れんごう), which also means union or alliance. The difference is subtle: "連盟" often implies a looser federation or league of independent entities, while "連合" can imply a closer or more integrated union. Pay attention to the specific organizations involved to choose the correct term.