盟 (méng) - Alliance, league, pact & to swear an oath of alliance

盟Tone 2

méng ｜ 13 strokes ｜ radical:

伦妙

盟 · méng

Alliance, league, pact;

to swear an oath of alliance;

a covenant or confederation between parties.

Alliance, league, pactto swear an oath of alliancea covenant or confederation between parties.

Usage highlights

AlliancePact/TreatySwear an oath of allianceMilitary allianceAllied forcesLeague of Nations

Synonyms

Antonyms

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The two companies formed a strategic alliance (战略联盟).
  • They signed a mutual defense pact (盟约).
  • The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is a military alliance (北约是一个军事同盟).
  • Ancient states would often swear oaths of alliance (歃血为盟).

Collocations

  • Alliance(联盟)
  • Pact/Treaty(盟约)
  • Swear an oath of alliance(结盟)
  • Military alliance(军事同盟)
  • Allied forces(盟军)
  • League of Nations(国际联盟)

Idioms

  • Swearing an oath by smearing blood on the lips(歃血为盟)
  • A covenant of alliance(盟山誓海)
  • To betray an alliance(背盟败约)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Historically significant in Chinese history, referring to pacts and alliances between states or clans, often sealed with rituals.
  • The concept is deeply rooted in feudal and imperial China's diplomatic and military strategies.
  • The character itself depicts a vessel (皿) under the bright sun (明), symbolizing a solemn oath made in the open.

FAQ