How to say "collusion" in Japanese

Choosing the right word
  • 共謀きょうぼうCommon
    noun, suru verb, transitive verbThe general word for secretly plotting or acting together, typically for a criminal or wrongful purpose; it covers conspiracy and collusion in the broadest sense.
  • 談合だんごうCommon
    noun, suru verb, intransitive verbSpecifically collusion on contract bidding — bid rigging — or an illegal price-fixing agreement; the natural choice when the collusion concerns tenders or prices, not general plotting.
  • 結託けったくCommon
    noun, suru verb, intransitive verbCollusion or conspiracy framed as banding together with another party for a shared, typically underhanded aim; close to 共謀, but it foregrounds the alliance between the parties.
  • 野合やごうCommon
    noun, suru verb, intransitive verbIts primary sense is an illicit union; 'collusion' is a secondary extension, and this is seldom the word you want for collusion in ordinary contexts.
  • 癒着ゆちゃくCommon
    noun, suru verb, intransitive verbCollusion as a cozy, entangled relationship in which the parties look out for one another's interests, as between officials and the industry they oversee; it names the relationship rather than a single plotted act.

For secret joint plotting use 共謀; for bid rigging or price-fixing use 談合; for banding together with another party use 結託; for a cozy collusive relationship use 癒着; 野合 mainly means illicit union.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

Japanese equivalents
See also

Say it right, write it right

Core lookup works fully offline, with cloud pronunciation and one-tap save & review. Free, no sign-up.

Free downloadWindowsFree downloadmacOSDownload on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
MobileiOS / Android

Android

QR code for the Google Play pageGet it on Google Play

Scan it with your Android phone to install, or search for “Tomoshi” on Google Play.

iOS

QR code for the App Store pageDownload on the App Store

Scan it with your iPhone camera to install, or search for “Tomoshi” in the App Store.

Install the browser extensionLook words up on any web page · Chrome / Edge / Safari

Screenshot of a Tomoshi lookup resultScreenshot of Tomoshi lookup results on a phone

Windows macOS Chrome / Edge / Safari extension iOS / Android