What is the difference between "群がる" and "むらがる"?

"群がる" means "to swarm; to gather; to throng" (N2), whereas "むらがる" represents "to flock, to crowd, to swarm" (N2).

Kanji Homophone Battle

Pronunciation Trap: "むらがる (muragaru)"

Same sound, completely different Kanji! Choose the right conceptual writing.

Kanji Option A

むらがる (muragaru)

N2 / CEFR

Kanji Option B

むらがる (muragaru)

N2 / CEFR

In Japanese, many words share the exact same pronunciation "むらがる (muragaru)" but are written with different Kanji, changing the meaning entirely.

群がる (Level: N2): Translates to "to swarm; to gather; to throng" and is used when Describes many people or animals gathering in one place. Often implies a somewhat disorderly or dense gathering..
むらがる (Level: N2): Maps to "to flock, to crowd, to swarm" and carries the nuance of Describes many people or animals gathering in one place, often in a somewhat disorderly or dense manner..

Mixing these up can easily result in unnatural writing. Look at the bilingual context cards below to master the conceptual boundaries!

Bilingual Context for "群がる"

エサを求めて鳥たちが池に群がっている。

Birds are swarming to the pond, looking for food.

Bilingual Context for "むらがる"

えさに群がる魚たち。

Fish swarming for bait.

Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?

Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: "エサを求めて鳥たちが池に群がっている。" (Meaning: "Birds are swarming to the pond, looking for food.")

🎉 Correct Answer!

Correct! "群がる" is used for "to swarm; to gather; to throng" in the context: "Birds are swarming to the pond, looking for food.".