集める

• Reading: あつめる
• Romaji: atsumeru
• Kanji breakdown: 集 (shuu/atsu) — gather, collect; bird (隹) on a tree (木)
• Pronunciation: /a.t͡sɯ.me.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To collect; to gather; to assemble. Used when bringing things or people together intentionally.

A Group 2 (ichidan) verb conjugated by dropping る (集めない, 集めます, 集めた). This is the transitive form — the subject actively gathers objects or people. Common in contexts like collecting stamps, gathering information, or assembling a team. The intransitive counterpart is 集まる.

Examples

1. 子どもの時、切手を集めていました。 When I was a kid, I used to collect stamps.
2. 先生がみんなを教室に集めた。 The teacher gathered everyone in the classroom.
3. もっと情報を集める必要があります。 We need to gather more information.

Usage Guide

Context: hobbies, school, work

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 集 depicts a bird (隹) landing on a tree (木), symbolising birds gathering together on branches — a vivid image of assembly and collection.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal