集

• Pinyin: jí
• Hanzi breakdown: 集 = 隹 (short-tailed bird) + 木 (tree), birds gathering on a tree

Meaning

Episode (of a TV series); volume or collection; also a measure word for episodes.

Commonly used as a measure word for episodes of TV dramas, variety shows, or documentaries. Also means a collection or compilation (e.g., 诗集 poetry collection). Can function as a verb meaning 'to gather' in literary contexts.

Examples

1. 这部电视剧一共有五十集，我已经追到第三十集了。 This TV series has fifty episodes in total, and I've already watched up to episode thirty.
2. 他最近出版了一本散文集，收录了过去十年的作品。 He recently published an essay collection featuring works from the past ten years.
3. 下一集的预告看起来很精彩，我迫不及待想看了。 The preview for the next episode looks exciting — I can't wait to watch it.

Usage Guide

Context: entertainment, publishing, media

Tone: casual

Do Say

• 这部剧你看到第几集了？(Which episode are you on?)
• 这是他的第三本诗集。(This is his third poetry collection.)

Don't Say

• 用集来计量电影 (Movies use 部, not 集 — 集 is for serialized content)

Origin & History

Originally meant 'to gather' (鸟在木 — birds gathering on a tree). Extended to mean a collection or episode.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal