Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Gathering" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "gathering", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
集合
しゅうごう (shūgō)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
集まり
あつまり (atsumari)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "gathering" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 集合 and 集まり.
In Japanese, 集合 (しゅうごう (shūgō)) is typically associated with "gathering, assembly, meeting (noun)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents 名詞。人や物が集まること、またはその場所や時間を指します。「集合場所」「集合時間」のように他の名詞と組み合わせて使われることが多いです。.
On the other hand, 集まり (あつまり (atsumari)) maps to "gathering, meeting, assembly" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to a gathering of people or things. Can be formal or informal. Often used with verbs like ある, する, 開く.. A literal translation of "gathering" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "集合"
集合時間は午前9時です。
The meeting time is 9 AM.
Bilingual Context for "集まり"
今夜、友だちの家で集まりがあります。
There's a gathering at my friend's house tonight.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: " ＿＿＿ 時間は午前9時です。" (Meaning: "The meeting time is 9 AM.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "集合" fits here because it means "gathering, assembly, meeting (noun)" in the context of: "The meeting time is 9 AM.". "集まり" represents "gathering, meeting, assembly".