The Meaning of gōdō [合同] In Japanese

合同
ごうどう
Romaji: gōdō N4

What does 合同 mean?

Translation and Meaning

joint, combination, contract, agreement

Definition

合同 means a binding arrangement formed by joining parties or parts into a single, unified entity; it denotes a formal agreement or structural fusion that governs terms and collaboration between involved parties.

Type

Noun (名詞)

Stroke Order

Meanings

  • A formal contract or agreement regulating rights and duties between two or more parties.
  • A jointly operated entity or venture, such as a joint company or corporate form.
  • The sense of unity or fusion resulting from joining elements or parties under mutually agreed terms.

Composition

  • 合: to join, fit, or combine; a component that conveys union.
  • 同: same or identical; conveys sameness or agreement.
  • When combined, they express unity through joining and sameness, yielding senses of joint, combined, or contractual arrangements.

Usage

Used in legal documents, business negotiations, and corporate contexts, including naming conventions like 合同会社; in formal writing and contracts, it denotes binding terms, partnerships, or jointly operated entities; in casual speech it appears less frequently outside fixed phrases or specialized discussions.
💡 Tips
Mnemonic: two pieces that fit together (合) and share the same ground (同) lock into a single unit, just like a contract unites parties under one agreement.

Variations

  • 共同 (joint; kyōdō)
  • 協同 (cooperation; kyōdō)
  • 契約 (contract; keiyaku)

Example Phrases

  • 私たちは合同で新しいプロジェクトを始める。
    Watashitachi wa gōdō de atarashii purojekuto o hajimeru.
    We will start a new project together.
    Lista:
    • 私たちは (watashitachi wa) – we
    • 合同で (gōdō de) – jointly
    • 新しい (atarashii) – new
    • プロジェクトを (purojekuto o) – project
    • 始める (hajimeru) – start
    Use of 「合同」 with で to express joint action; 「合同」 means ‘joint/combined’ and shows that the action is done together.
合同