Translation and Meaning of: 集まり - atsumari

If you are studying Japanese, you have probably come across the word 集まり (あつまり), which means gathering, meeting, or assembly. But do you know how it originated, how it is used in daily life, or even how to memorize it effectively? In this article, we will explore the etymology, practical use, and even some curiosities about this term that is so useful in the Japanese vocabulary. Additionally, you will discover how to write it correctly in kanji and how to use it in everyday sentences—perfect for those who want to boost their studies using Anki or other spaced repetition methods.

Etymology and origin of 集まり

The word 集まり comes from the verb 集まる (あつまる), which means "to gather" or "to come together." The kanji 集, by itself, carries the idea of grouping, collection, or concentration. If you have seen words like 集中 (しゅうちゅう) (concentration) or 募集 (ぼしゅう) (recruitment), you have noticed that the radical repeats precisely because of this notion of "uniting things or people."

Interestingly, the pictogram 集 shows three birds (隹) perched on a tree (木), literally symbolizing a gathering. This visual image helps a lot with memorization, especially if you enjoy associating kanjis with stories. Meanwhile, the suffix ~まり transforms the verb into a noun, indicating the result of the action—in this case, the gathering or meeting itself.

Everyday use and popularity

In Japan, 集まり is a common word in both formal and informal contexts. It can refer to anything from a business meeting (会議の集まり) to a casual gathering of friends (友達の集まり). A valuable tip: it is often used to describe spontaneous or less structured events, differing somewhat from like 会議 (かいぎ), which implies more formality.

On Japanese social media, you will find hashtags like #集まりましょう ("let's meet up!") in posts promoting events or gatherings. And if you've ever participated in a 飲み会 (のみかい) (happy hour), know that it is also a type of 集まり—after all, what matters is the gathering of people, whether to work or relax.

Tips for memorization and frequent searches

If you want to 集まり, try creating flashcards with images of groups or using the kanji 集 in sentences like 家族の集まり (family gathering). Many students also search on Google "集まり vs 会議" to understand the differences, or "how to use 集まり in a sentence"—which shows that the doubt is common even among intermediates.

Another trick is to that 集まり has a more organic tone, as if it were a "natural gathering." If you've ever seen leaves piling up in the wind or friends meeting up without planning, you've already captured the essence of the word. So, are you ready to include 集まり in your active vocabulary?

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 集合 (shūgō) - Gathering or crowd of people
• 会合 (kaigō) - Formal meeting or gathering
• ミーティング (mītingu) - Meeting, usually for work
• ガザリング (gazaringu) - Gathering or meeting; it can be informal and less formal.