Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 合併する | gappei suru | |
| 合わせる | awaseru | [a̠β̞a̠se̞ɾɯ̟] (narrow) |
合併する is a transitive verb meaning to combine into a whole. Depending on the context of the merger, other words may be more appropriate: 統合 is used for the general integration or consolidation of entities like systems or departments, while 合同 describes several parties uniting for a common purpose. For physical objects in a lighthearted or playful way, you might use the colloquial 合体する or the informal くっつける to express sticking things together.
Which one should you use?
合併する is used specifically for the merger of legal entities, such as companies or organizations. In contrast, 合わせる is used for more general or physical actions of bringing things together, such as matching parts or combining ingredients.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that something has already merged, use the past tense 合併した. For a polite way to say something will merge or to state that it merges, use 合併します.
How do you pronounce it?
gappei suru
Did you know?
- The playful word 合体する (gattai suru) is most famous among fans of giant robot anime, where it describes the process of multiple vehicles or machines combining into one massive robot.
- In Japanese business culture, a 'merger' is often phrased as 経営統合 meaning 'management integration' to soften the image of one company absorbing another.
- The verb 合わせる is used for 'merging' two hands in a clap, but it is also the standard term for 'tuning' a musical instrument to a specific pitch.
Examples in context
- 我々は、両社の合併に関して合意しました。We have reached an agreement regarding the merger of both companies.
- マーケティング部門の統合により、効率性が向上しました。Efficiency has improved through the integration of the marketing departments.
- このゲームでは、異なる種族がくっついて新たなキャラクターを作り出せるんだ。In this game, different species can merge to create new characters.
- 二つの会社が合併する。Futatsu no kaisha ga gappei suru.Two companies will merge.
- その銀行は合併する予定です。Sono ginkō wa gappei suru yotei desu.That bank is scheduled to merge.
- 合併する際の手続きは複雑だ。Gappei suru sai no tetsuzuki wa fukuzatsu da.The procedures when merging are complicated.
Example conversation
Kenta and Misaki are talking about business news at a cafe.
- 健太 Kentaあの二つの会社、合併するらしいよ。Ano futatsu no kaisha, gappei suru rashii yo.I heard those two companies are going to merge.
- 美咲 Misaki本当？大きなニュースだね。Hontō? Ōkina nyūsu da ne.Really? That is big news.
- 健太 Kenta美咲さんはどう思う？Misaki-san wa dō omou?What do you think, Misaki?
- 美咲 Misakiもっと強くなると思うよ。Motto tsuyoku naru to omou yo.I think they will become stronger.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “merge” translations and entries 合わせる, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
