Definition

1. Noun:
   • A Japanese criminal organization: The "yakuza" refers to organized crime syndicates in Japan, known for their strict codes of conduct and hierarchical structure.
   • A Japanese gangster: An individual member of such a criminal organization.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The police are investigating the yakuza's involvement in the smuggling ring.
  • In the film, the retired yakuza tries to leave his violent past behind.

Advanced Usage

• "yakuza-controlled": Describes businesses or territories under the influence of these syndicates.
  • He refused to open a shop in the yakuza-controlled district.

Variants and Related Words

• Gokudō (n): A Japanese term, often used synonymously with "yakuza," meaning "the extreme path."
• Bōryokudan (n): Another Japanese term for violent crime groups, sometimes used officially instead of "yakuza."

Synonyms

• Japanese mafia: A common Western comparison for the yakuza.
• Organized crime syndicate: A general term for large-scale, structured criminal organizations.

Related Phrases

• "yakuza family": Refers to a specific clan or subgroup within the larger yakuza structure.
  • He was born into a powerful yakuza family.

Related Idioms

• "to have yakuza connections": To be associated with or have ties to these criminal organizations.
  • The politician was rumored to have yakuza connections.

Noun

1. organized crime in Japan; an alliance of criminal organizations and illegal enterprises
2. a Japanese gangster