Meaning and Usage
"団体" (だんたい) refers to a group or organization formed by multiple people with a common purpose. It is often used to describe associations, clubs, unions, or any collective body.
Common Contexts
You will frequently see "団体" used in contexts like social groups, labor unions, travel groups, and nonprofit organizations. It can refer to both formal and informal groups.
Collocations and Patterns
- 団体旅行 (だんたいりょこう): group travel, often with discounts.
- 労働者団体 (ろうどうしゃだんたい): labor union or workers' organization.
- 団体で (だんたいで): as a group, indicating collective action.
Register and Nuance
"団体" is a neutral term suitable for both formal and informal situations. It emphasizes the collective nature of the people involved rather than individual members.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "団体" with "グループ" (group). While both mean group, "団体" often implies a more organized or official group, whereas "グループ" can be more casual or temporary. Use "団体" when referring to established organizations or associations.