Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Gather" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "gather", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
集まる
あつまる (atsumaru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
集合する
しゅうごうする (shūgō suru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "gather" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 集まる and 集合する.
In Japanese, 集まる (あつまる (atsumaru)) is typically associated with "to gather, to collect, to assemble (intransitive)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents An intransitive verb. Used when people or things gather on their own. For transitive "to gather/collect," use 「集める.
On the other hand, 集合する (しゅうごうする (shūgō suru)) maps to "to gather, to assemble, to meet" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents 動詞。人や物が特定の場所に集まることを指します。待ち合わせやグループでの活動開始時によく使われます。. A literal translation of "gather" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "集まる"
駅前に人がたくさん集まっています。
A lot of people are gathering in front of the station.
Bilingual Context for "集合する"
駅の改札口に午後3時に集合してください。
Please gather at the ticket gate of the station at 3 PM.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "駅前に人がたくさん集まっています。" (Meaning: "A lot of people are gathering in front of the station.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "集まる" fits here because it means "to gather, to collect, to assemble (intransitive)" in the context of: "A lot of people are gathering in front of the station.". "集合する" represents "to gather, to assemble, to meet".