Translation and Meaning of: 連中 - renjyuu

The word 「連中」 (renjyuu) is composed of two kanji: 「連」 (ren), which means "to connect" or "to associate," and 「中」 (chuu), which means "inside" or "between." Together, these characters form an expression that generally refers to a group of people, often with the connotation of "company" or "squad." The etymology reveals a notion of connection among individuals, emphasizing the idea of a collective associated by common interests or circumstances.

In the Japanese language, 「連中」 can be used in various contexts to describe a group of people with something in common. Sometimes, it is used informally or colloquially to refer to a crowd or a set of friends. The word can have a neutral nuance, but depending on the intonation and context, it can acquire a slightly pejorative connotation, suggesting that the group in question is considered intrusive or not very welcome.

The origin of the word dates back to the use of individual kanji in ancient texts, where each character had its own semantic function. Over time, the combination of these kanji became a convenient way to refer to organized or casual groups of people. This semantic evolution is a natural reflection of the linguistic and social changes throughout the history of the Japanese language.

Moreover, 「連中」 can be used in variations and expressions for more specific uses. For example, by adding other kanji, terms can be created that specify the type of group, such as a collective of students or workers. This adaptability makes the word useful in various social contexts, being a phrase often heard in everyday conversations and in the media.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 仲間 (Nakama) - Comrades, colleagues; close people.
• 仲間たち (Nakamatachi) - Group of friends or buddies; colleagues, more informal and in the plural.
• 同僚 (Dōryō) - Coordinators or colleagues; a more professional connotation.
• 同志 (Dōshi) - Comrades, companions in causes or ideals; often associated with a feeling of struggle or common goal.
• 仲間達 (Nakamatachi) - Group of friends or buddies, emphasizing the plural.
• 連中たち (Renchūtachi) - Group or bunch of people; it can have a slightly negative connotation depending on the context.
• 連中達 (Renchūdatta) - Group of people; it can also have a slightly negative connotation with an emphasis on the plural.

連中

Romaji: renjyuu
Kana: れんじゅう
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: colleagues; company; very

Meaning in English: colleagues;company;a lot

Definition: A meeting of more than a certain number of people or things.

Example Sentences - (連中) renjyuu

See below some example sentences:

連中は私たちと一緒に行くつもりですか？

Renchuu wa watashitachi to issho ni iku tsumori desu ka?

Are you planning to come with us?

Will they go with us?

• 連中 (renchuu) - means "they" or "them all"
• は (wa) - topic particle, indicates that "they" are the subject of the sentence
• 私たち (watashitachi) - means "we"
• と (to) - particle indicating a connection or company, in this case, "with"
• 一緒に (issho ni) - means "together"
• 行く (iku) - means "to go"
• つもりですか？ (tsumori desu ka?) - expression meaning "you intend" or "you intend to"