属する

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 属する is read as ぞくする and is an intransitive verb meaning to belong to a larger category, organization, or administrative area.
• Basic usage: Mark the category or authority with に, as in 同じ科に属する and 町に属している.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Classification and administration
  • It covers both taxonomic membership, such as a plant family, and administrative inclusion of an island within a town.
• Basic and continuing forms
  • 属する仲間 modifies the following noun, while 属している presents the membership as an ongoing state.