collect · receive

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 収 expresses collecting or taking in; its on-reading is しゅう.
• Basic usage: 吸収 is read きゅうしゅう and means absorption; 収穫 is read しゅうかく and means harvest.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Physical and figurative uses
  • 吸収 can describe a cloth absorbing water or a person picking up new techniques.
  • 収穫 refers to harvesting crops and what is harvested, and can also refer to a gain from an experience, such as making friends while traveling.