くみ
Alternative writings: 組み
JLPT:N3
Frequency:

1A school class (e.g., "1st year, class 2"); when attached as a suffix after a grade it can be pronounced ぐみ.

NounNoun (Suffix)

Examples

うちの子は今年3年2組になった。

My child is now in 3rd year, class 2.

2組は教室で発表の準備をしている。

Class 2 is preparing their presentation in the classroom.

2A group of people; a party, team, or crew. Also used as a counter for pairs/groups of people, as in 二人一組 ("in twos").

NounNoun (Suffix)Counter

Examples

彼はいつも三人組で学校に来る。

He always comes to school with a group of three.

捜査は二人一組で行われた。

The investigation was carried out in teams of two.

彼女たちは幼なじみで、いつも同じ組で行動している。

They're childhood friends and always act as the same group.

3A lot, bunch, or set — a grouped collection of items of the same kind.

NounNoun (Suffix)

Examples

皿を一組揃えて新居に持って行った。

I took a set of plates to my new home.

楽器は三組に分けて運ぶことになった。

The instruments were divided into three lots for transport.

4A crime family; an organized-crime syndicate (e.g., a yakuza group).

NounNoun (Suffix)

Examples

その事件は組同士の抗争が原因とみられる。

That incident is believed to have been caused by a feud between crime syndicates.

警察は暴力団の主要な組を摘発した。

The police cracked down on a major crime syndicate.

5A set or assortment of items (e.g., a deck of cards); also used as a counter for matched sets.

NounNoun (Suffix)Counter

Examples

トランプを1組買ってきてください。

Please buy a deck of playing cards.

来客用に布団を一組用意した。

I prepared a set of bedding for guests.

6In printing, typesetting or composition — the arranging of type and layout (a technical term).

NounPrinting

Examples

この本は組が読みやすくて評判がいい。

This book's typesetting is easy to read and well regarded.

Word Relationships

Derivations