Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "あつめる", "集める", "取り立てる", "斂める"
All represent the core concept "collect", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
あつめる
あつめる (atsumeru)
N5 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
集める
あつめる (atsumeru)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
取り立てる
とりたてる (toritateru)
N2 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
斂める
斂める(おさめる)
C2PLUS / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "collect" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "あつめる", "集める", "取り立てる", "斂める" based on context.
- あつめる (あつめる (atsumeru) - Level: N5): Maps to "to collect, to gather (transitive)" and is used when Transitive verb meaning 'to collect' or 'to gather' something or someone. The intransitive form is 集まる.
- 集める (あつめる (atsumeru) - Level: N4): Maps to "to collect, to gather (transitive)" and is used when To gather things or people together. The subject performs the action of gathering an object.
- 取り立てる (とりたてる (toritateru) - Level: N2): Maps to "to collect (debts, taxes), to extort, to appoint; to give special attention to" and is used when Primarily means to collect money or dues forcefully or with insistence. Also means to single out for special mention, attention, or promotion. The nuance varies with context..
- 斂める (斂める(おさめる) - Level: C2PLUS): Maps to "To collect (e.g., taxes); to bring to an end; to restrain (archaic kanji for 収める/治める)." and is used when Essential structural term in CEFR C2PLUS vocabulary syllabus..
Context for "あつめる"
彼は古いコインを集めています。
He collects old coins.
Context for "集める"
趣味で切手を集めています。
I collect stamps as a hobby.
Context for "取り立てる"
彼は未払いの家賃を大家に取り立てられた。
He had his unpaid rent collected by the landlord.
Context for "斂める"
毎日、日本語を練習するために斂める。
Every day, I collect (e.g., taxes); to bring to an end; to restrain (archaic kanji for 収める/治める). to practice Japanese.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は古いコインを集めています。" (Meaning: "He collects old coins.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "あつめる" is correct here because it represents "to collect, to gather (transitive)" in the context: "He collects old coins.".