收集

• Pinyin: shōu jí
• Hanzi breakdown: 收 = 攵 (tap) + 丩 (twist); 集 = 隹 (bird) + 木 (tree), birds gathering on a tree

Meaning

To collect; to gather; to compile.

Used for gathering items, information, or data together. Common in contexts like collecting hobbies, data collection, and compiling materials. Implies bringing scattered things together into one place. Can be used for both physical items and abstract things like opinions or evidence.

Examples

1. 他从小就喜欢收集邮票。 He has liked collecting stamps since childhood.
2. 我们需要收集更多数据来分析。 We need to collect more data for analysis.
3. 请大家收集一下对这个方案的意见。 Everyone, please gather opinions on this proposal.

Usage Guide

Context: hobbies, research, work

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 收集资料花了很长时间。(Collecting materials took a long time.)
• 我收集了很多老照片。(I've collected many old photos.)

Don't Say

• 收集垃圾 — for picking up trash, use 捡 or 清理; 收集 implies purposeful gathering of valued items

Origin & History

Compound of 收 (to collect/receive) + 集 (to gather), meaning to gather and collect.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal