Gumi

Is it correct to say that a "gumi" or "kai" is a Yakuza family?

Say as in:

Their "gumi" makes the most of their money in drugs.

Or "gumi" is just a suffix, with no real meaning, as in Yamaguchi-gumi, so it can't be used independently?

Thanks.

Hi, JerrySm.

"gumi" is just a suffix, with no real meaning, as in Yamaguchi-gumi, so it can't be used independently?
"kumi" and "kai", both means "group" are the basic words used independently.
('gumi' is a corrupted form of 'kumi'.)

Their "gumi" makes the most of their money in drugs.
So, Their "kumi" makes.... is correct.

組 is read "kumi" by itself and doesn't have negative meaning or any association with Yakuza, i.e. school class, group, etc.
But when it is used for organizations, i.e. Yamaguchi-gumi, it is usually associated with Yakuza group. "kai"(association, group) is the same.

Is it correct to say that a "gumi" or "kai" is a Yakuza family?

"kumi" or "kai" means "group" simply.
So for example, "kumi" used for the school class and "kai" used for the party.

But, Their "kumi" makes the most of their money in drugs is quite correct.
Because "kumi" used for a Yakuza family in Japan such as that phrase.

The other side, nobody says Their "kai" makes... in Japan.

I shall be happy if I can be of any help to your writing.

Thanks, everyone.