gather

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The on reading is しゅう, and the kun readings are あつまる, あつめる, and つどう. It has 12 strokes. It appears in words for people or things gathering and someone collecting them.
• Basic usage: 集まる is read あつまる and 集める is read あつめる.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• 集まる / 集める
  • 集まる means gather or assemble and is read あつまる. It describes people or things, such as participants or birds, gathering in one place.
  • 合図を聞いて参加者が広場に集まる。 means “When they hear the signal, participants gather in the square.”
  • 集める means collect or gather and is read あつめる. It describes someone collecting things such as stamps or materials.
  • 旅行先で古い切手を集めている。 means “I collect old stamps from the places I visit.”