How to say "combination" in Japanese

Choosing the right word
  • 組み合わせくみあわせJLPT N2approx.Common
    nounA combination of things chosen or put together, such as a pairing of foods or colors; it also covers an assortment or a set of items.
    一いち国こくにとって金融きんゆう政策せいさくと財政ざいせい政策せいさくの適切てきせつな組み合くみあわせが大切たいせつである。↗
    It is important for a nation to have an adequate mix of monetary and fiscal policies.
  • 総合そうごうJLPT N1approx.Common
    noun, suru verb, transitive verbIts core senses are synthesis and integration, putting elements together into a whole; for a simple combination of items it is seldom the word you want.
  • 連合れんごうJLPT N2approx.Common
    noun, suru verb, transitive verb, intransitive verbCovers combination in the sense of an alliance or union of groups or organizations that join forces; for combinations of things or items it is not the word you want.
    The war ended in victory for the Allied Powers.
  • 結合けつごうJLPT N1approx.Common
    noun, suru verb, transitive verb, intransitive verbCombination as joining or linking, as when parts are united into a whole; think of connection between components rather than a chosen mix of items.
    これらの州しゅうは結合けつごうして1つの国くにになった。↗
    These states were united into one nation.
  • コンビCommon
    nounA loanword abbreviation for a pair or duo, two people or things that act as a team; its 'combination' is the teaming of two, not a mix of many items.

Use 「組み合わせ」 for combinations of items chosen together, 結合 for joining or linking, 連合 for alliances of groups, 「コンビ」 for a duo that works well together, and 総合 for synthesis into a whole.

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

Japanese equivalents
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JLPT vocabulary levels are community estimates, not official (no official lists have been published since the 2010 revision).

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