集まり

• Reading: あつまり
• Romaji: atsumari
• Kanji breakdown: 集 (shuu/atsu) — gather, collect
• Pronunciation: /a.tsɯ.ma.ɾi/

Meaning

Gathering; meeting; assembly. A group of people who come together for a purpose.

A noun derived from the verb 集まる (to gather). Refers to both the event of people assembling and the group itself. Less formal than 会議 (meeting) or 集会 (assembly). Often used for casual get-togethers, neighbourhood meetings, and social events. Can also describe a collection of things.

Examples

1. 週末に友達の集まりがある。 There's a get-together with friends this weekend.
2. 今日の集まりには何人来ますか。 How many people are coming to today's gathering?
3. 町内の集まりに参加した。 I attended a neighborhood meeting.

Usage Guide

Context: social events, community, casual meetings

Tone: friendly

Origin & History

Derived from the verb 集まる (to gather). The kanji 集 depicts birds gathering on a tree, symbolising things coming together.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal