(こんざい)

こんざい
noun, suru verb
coexistence, mixture, intermingling
1. coexistence, intermingling, being mixed together
Different things existing together in the same space or context, typically in an unorganized or unsorted way. Often implies that the mixture creates confusion or that the elements are difficult to distinguish or separate.
新旧(しんきゅう)建物(たてもの)混在(こんざい)している。
Old and new buildings are intermingled.
事実(じじつ)(うわさ)混在(こんざい)している。
Facts and rumors are mixed together.
この地域(ちいき)では住宅(じゅうたく)商業施設(しょうぎょうしせつ)混在(こんざい)しており、用途(ようと)区分(くぶん)曖昧(あいまい)だ。
In this area, residences and commercial facilities are intermingled, and the zoning is unclear.

USAGE:
Describes a state where different categories of things exist together without clear separation. Often carries a slightly negative nuance suggesting the mixture is problematic or needs to be sorted out.

Commonly used in urban planning, information management, and descriptions of diverse neighborhoods.

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 共存(きょうぞん): coexistence (neutral or positive, intentional)
  • 混合(こんごう): mixing, blending (physical mixing)
  • 混同(こんどう): confusion, conflation (mistaking one thing for another)

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 新旧(しんきゅう)混在(こんざい)する: old and new are intermingled
  • 玉石(ぎょくせき)混在(こんざい): a mix of good and bad (lit. gems and stones mixed together)