How to say "fraternity" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- nounThe word for 'fraternity' as an organization: a club or society, including a student fraternity or sorority. It is usually written in kana alone.
- 友愛ゆうあいnounFor 'fraternity' as brotherhood: friendship and mutual affection between people. It names the bond or feeling itself, not a club or organization.
- 交遊こうゆうnoun, suru verb, intransitive verbHere 'fraternity' is the fellowship of the company one keeps: companionship and comradeship, socializing with friends and acquaintances, rather than brotherhood as an ideal.
- 博愛はくあいno-adjectiveFits 'fraternity' only in the sense of universal brotherly love — love for humanity, charity, philanthropy. For friendship between individuals or a student fraternity, this is not the word you want.
Use 「クラブ」 for a student club or fraternity as an organization, 友愛 for brotherhood and friendship between people, 交遊 for companionship and socializing, and 博愛 only for love of humanity.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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