1. Basic structure
| Usage type | Structure with ～ぐるみ | Meaning | Examples | Notes |
|---|
| Adverbial of scope | N + ぐるみ + で | With the entire N | 家族ぐるみで参加する | “で” indicates manner/unit. |
| Attributive modifier | N + ぐるみ + の + N | covering the entire N | 組織ぐるみの不正 | Common in news reports. |
| Standalone noun | N + ぐるみ | the “whole … together” sense | 家族ぐるみの付き合い | Follows N denoting a group of people. |
2. Core meaning & detailed analysis
- Emphasizes the all-encompassing participation of the whole group (family/company/region, etc.).
- Natural in both positive contexts (cooperation) and negative ones (cover-ups, complicity).
- Conveys a sense of “united/overall” or “systemic/widespread”.
3. Illustrative examples
- 地域ぐるみで防災訓練を行う。
The entire community conducts disaster-preparedness drills together. - 家族ぐるみの友人付き合いが続いている。
We maintain friendships on a whole-family basis. - 会社ぐるみの隠蔽が批判された。
A company-wide cover-up was criticized. - 学校ぐるみで募金活動に参加した。
The whole school took part in the fundraising. - 部門ぐるみで改善に取り組む。
The entire department is working on improvements. - 商店街ぐるみのプロモーションを展開する。
Launch a shopping-street-wide promotion.
4. Usage & nuance
- Combines only with nouns denoting groups of people/organizations/areas.
- “の” when modifying a noun; “で” when adverbial to a verb.
- In investigations: “〜ぐるみの不正/隠蔽/改ざん” carries a strong critical tone.
5. Comparison, distinctions, and similar patterns
| Pattern | Content | Difference | Short example |
|---|
| Nぐるみ | The entire N | Suffix; stronger nuance | 地域ぐるみで支援 |
| N全体で | The whole N | Neutral, easy to use | 会社全体で改革 |
| Nを挙げて | Mobilize all of N | Emphasizes the act of mobilizing | 学校を挙げて歓迎 |
| N一丸となって | United as one | Emphasizes team spirit | チーム一丸となって戦う |
6. Additional notes
- The phrase “家族ぐるみの付き合い” usually implies a long-standing, close relationship.
- Beyond people, you can use social units like 企業／自治体／地域／商店街, but not for objects.
- Outside the social sphere, use まるごと/全部で when it’s not a group of people.
7. Variants & fixed collocations
- 家族ぐるみの交流／友人関係
- 組織ぐるみの不正／隠蔽／改ざん
- 地域ぐるみで支援／防犯／防災
- 学校ぐるみのプロジェクト／参加
8. Common mistakes & JLPT pitfalls
- Used with something that isn't a group of people: ×机ぐるみで運ぶ → 机ごと/全部で is acceptable.
- Forgetting の when modifying a noun: ×組織ぐるみ不正 → ○組織ぐるみの不正.
- JLPT: distinguish from 一丸となって (unity) and 全体で (neutral), depending on the nuance required.
