団結

だんけつ

unity, union, solidarity

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The word 団結 (だんけつ) means "unity," "union," or "solidarity." It is often used to describe a group of people coming together with a shared purpose or goal, emphasizing their collective strength.

Common Contexts

You will frequently see 団結 used in contexts involving teams, workers, communities, or any group facing challenges together. It often implies a strong emotional or practical bond that helps overcome difficulties.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 団結する: to unite or come together
  • 団結力: the power or strength of unity
  • 団結を深める: to deepen unity
  • 団結して + verb: doing something together in unity

Register and Nuance

団結 is a formal word often used in speeches, news, and written language. It conveys a positive and strong sense of togetherness. It is less common in casual conversation but can appear when emphasizing solidarity.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse 団結 with 協力 (きょうりょく), which means "cooperation." While related, 団結 stresses emotional or ideological unity, whereas 協力 focuses on working together practically. Use 団結 when highlighting the bond or solidarity among people.

Example Sentences

ちーむのだんけつがしょうりのかぎだ。

Team unity is the key to victory.

ろうどうしゃたちはだんけつしてようきをとおした。

The workers united and got their demands met.

こんなんなときこそだんけつがひつようだ。

Unity is especially necessary in difficult times.