結合
ketsugō[ke̞t͡sɨɡo̞ː]
The Japanese word for the spine or binding of a book is 結合 (ketsugō).
Meaning: spine of a book (noun)
Which one should you use?
Use 拘束 when referring to legal or contractual binding that implies constraint. Use 束縛 when referring to binding in a figurative sense, such as restraint or control.
How do you pronounce it?
ketsugō
Did you know?
- If you are talking about a book's spine specifically, you might use the term 背 or 'se', which literally means 'back'.
- The figurative binding 束縛 often carries a much heavier, more negative connotation of 'shackles' or 'fetters' than the English word 'binding' suggests.
- In Japanese bookbinding history, the traditional method is called 和装 or 'wasō', which uses thread to sew the pages together instead of using modern industrial glue.
Examples in context
- 結合剤を使用して、素材を結びつけます。We bind the materials using a binding agent.
Example conversation
Yota and Himari are looking at a book in a bookstore.
- 陽太 Yotaこの本、結合が少し緩いね。Kono hon, ketsugou ga sukoshi yurui ne.The binding on this book is a bit loose.
- 陽葵 Himari本当だ。別の本を探そうか。Hontou da. Betsu no hon o sagasou ka.You're right. Shall we look for another book?
- 陽太 Yotaあっちの本は結合がしっかりしているよ。Acchi no hon wa ketsugou ga shikkari shite iru yo.The binding on that book over there is sturdy.
- 陽葵 Himariじゃあ、それを買おう。Jaa, sore o kaou.Then, let's buy that one.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 結合, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
