集める
atsumeru[a̠t͡sɨme̞ɾɯ̟]
To collect in Japanese is 集める (atsumeru). Wiktionary also lists 収集する (shūshū suru).
Meaning: to gather together (verb)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 集める | atsumeru | [a̠t͡sɨme̞ɾɯ̟] (narrow) |
| 収集する | shūshū suru |
The primary way to express the act of gathering things together is through the verb 集める. This can refer to collecting items as a hobby, such as stamps or more general gathering. Depending on the context, alternatives like 揃える or 取り集める may also be used.
Which one should you use?
While 集める is the standard, everyday word used for common activities like collecting hobbies or items, 収集する is a more formal or technical term. 収集する is typically used when discussing the systematic collection of things like data, information or specimens.
How does it change in a sentence?
集める is a transitive verb, which means it must act upon a direct object (the thing being collected). Do not confuse it with the intransitive verb 集まる, which means to gather or assemble.
How do you pronounce it?
atsumeru
Did you know?
- The formal term 収集 (shūshū) consists of two characters that both mean 'collect', effectively doubling the meaning to emphasize a systematic or professional process.
- The term 収集癖 (shūshū-kuse) combines the word for collection with 癖 (kuse), meaning 'habit' or 'idiosyncrasy', to describe a compulsive need to collect.
- The word 集める evolved from the Old Japanese verb 集む (atumu), moving from a 'lower bigrade' conjugation to the modern 'lower monograde' form.
Examples in context
- はがきを集める。I collect postcards.This sentence shows the use of 集める for collecting postcards.Tatoeba #7486196 by Ninja, translation #525899 by darooo
- 兄は切手を集めるのが好きなんです。My brother likes to collect stamps.This sentence uses 集める to describe a hobby of collecting stamps.Tatoeba #10308595 by bunbuku, translation #1169890 by etoile
- 集めることが好きですI like collecting
- 友達とポケモングッズを 集めるよ 。I collect Pokemon merchandise with my friends.
- 図鑑を集めますI collect picture books.
- マンガを 集めることが得意です 。I'm skilled at collecting manga.
- ゲームのキャラクターカードを 集めます 。I collect game character cards.
- 集めるのが趣味なんです 。Collecting is my hobby.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yota and Himari are talking about a hobby.
- 陽太 Yota陽葵は何か集めてるの？Himari wa nanika atsumeteru no?Himari, are you collecting anything?
- 陽葵 Himariうん、綺麗な石を集めてるよ。Un, kireina ishi o atsumeteru yo.Yes, I'm collecting pretty stones.
- 陽太 Yotaへえ、どこで集めるの？Hee, doko de atsumeru no?Oh, where do you collect them?
- 陽葵 Himari近くの川で集めてるよ。Chikaku no kawa de atsumeteru yo.I collect them at a nearby river.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “collect” translations and entries 集める, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 集める, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
