採集

• Reading: さいしゅう
• Romaji: saishuu
• Kanji breakdown: 採 (sai) — pick, gather, select; 集 (shū) — collect, assemble
• Pronunciation: /sai.ɕɯː/

Meaning

Collecting; gathering. Systematically collecting specimens, samples, or natural materials.

A noun that also functions as a suru verb (採集する). Specifically refers to the systematic gathering of natural specimens — insects (昆虫採集), plants (植物採集), or mineral samples. More scientific and purposeful than 集める (to gather). Common in educational and research contexts. 昆虫採集 (insect collecting) is a classic summer holiday activity for Japanese children.

Examples

1. 夏休みに昆虫採集をした。 I collected insects during summer vacation.
2. 研究のために山で植物を採集している。 I'm gathering plants in the mountains for research.
3. この地域では貝の採集が禁止されている。 Collecting shellfish is prohibited in this area.

Usage Guide

Context: science, education, nature

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 採 (sai, pick/gather) and 集 (shū, collect/assemble). Together, 'picking and gathering' — the deliberate collection of items from nature.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal