Translation and Meaning of: 統一 - touitsu

The Japanese word 統一[とういつ] is a term that carries profound meanings and practical applications in everyday life in Japan. If you are studying Japanese or simply interested in the culture of the country, understanding what this word represents can be very helpful. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, usage in sentences, and even how it is perceived in Japanese society. Furthermore, if you use Suki Nihongo as a reference dictionary, you will find additional information here to enrich your learning.

The meaning and origin of 統一

統一 [とういつ] means "unification" or "standardization" and is composed of the kanjis 統 (to command, to control) and 一 (one). Together, they convey the idea of bringing different elements into a single pattern or system. This word is often used in political, social, and even technological contexts, such as in "統一試験" (unified exam) or "統一規格" (uniform standard).

The origin of the term dates back to classical Chinese, where the characters were already used with a similar meaning. In Japan, it was incorporated into the vocabulary during periods of centralization of power, such as the Meiji Era, when the country underwent reforms to unify legal and educational systems. Today, 統一 continues to be a relevant word, especially in discussions about standardization and harmonization.

How and when to use 統一 in everyday Japanese

統一 appears frequently in formal and technical contexts. For example, companies use the term when standardizing internal processes, as in "業務を統一する" (unify work processes). In everyday life, it can also be heard in news reports about international agreements or government policies aimed at harmonizing regulations.

It is worth noting that, although it is a common word, 統一 is not usually used in informal conversations. Its use is more linked to strategic, educational, or bureaucratic discussions. A common mistake among students is trying to apply it in casual situations, which may sound strange to a native speaker.

The cultural and philosophical perception behind 統一

In Japan, the idea of unification is deeply connected to values such as harmony (和) and cooperation. The word 統一 reflects a collective effort to maintain order and efficiency, which are important principles in Japanese society. This explains why it is so prevalent in discussions about education, technology, and public management.

In addition, the concept appears in media works, such as animes and dramas that address conflicts between groups seeking to unify different ideals. An example is the series "Attack on Titan," where the notion of unification under a single authority is a central theme. These representations show how 統一 goes beyond its literal meaning and touches on ethical and social issues.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 統合 (とうごう) - Integration; combining different elements into a whole.
• 一元化 (いちげんか) - Centralization; unification under a single system or entity.
• 一本化 (いっぽんか) - Unification; to make something into a single line or uniform structure.
• 統括 (とうかつ) - Supervision or coordination; the act of managing or directing various elements in an integrated manner.
• 統制 (とうせい) - Control; imposition of rules or guidelines to maintain unification.
• 統率 (とうそつ) - Leadership; the ability to guide and integrate diverse people or components.
• 統一性 (とういつせい) - Unity; the quality of being unified or coherent among different parts.

統一

Romaji: touitsu
Kana: とういつ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: unit; consolidation; uniformity; unification; compatible

Meaning in English: unity;consolidation;uniformity;unification;compatible

Definition: to put it all together.

Example Sentences - (統一) touitsu

See below some example sentences:

統一は国家の発展に不可欠な要素です。

Tōitsu wa kokka no hatten ni fukaketsu na yōso desu

Unification is an essential element for the development of the nation.

• 統一 - means "unity" in Japanese.
• は - It is a Japanese grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• 国家 - means "state" or "nation" in Japanese.
• の - is a Japanese grammatical particle that indicates possession or the relationship between two words.
• 発展 - means "development" or "growth" in Japanese.
• に - is a Japanese grammatical particle that indicates the direction or purpose of an action.
• 不可欠 - means "essential" or "indispensable" in Japanese.
• な - is a Japanese grammatical particle that indicates the adjectivization of a word.
• 要素 - means "element" or "factor" in Japanese.
• です - is a polite and respectful way of saying "to be" or "to be" in Japanese.