Meaning and Usage
The verb 募る (つのる) primarily means "to recruit" or "to solicit" people, help, or resources. It is often used in contexts like recruiting volunteers, soliciting donations, or gathering participants for an event. Another important meaning is "to grow stronger" or "to intensify," often used to describe feelings or emotions that increase over time, such as dissatisfaction or anxiety.
Common Collocations
- ボランティアを募る: to recruit volunteers
- 寄付を募る: to solicit donations
- 参加者を募る: to gather participants
- 不満が募る: dissatisfaction grows
These collocations show how 募る is used both in concrete recruitment contexts and in more abstract emotional contexts.
Register and Nuance
募る is a formal verb often seen in written announcements, campaigns, or news reports. When used to describe emotions intensifying, it carries a somewhat literary or serious tone. It is not commonly used in casual conversation for feelings; instead, more colloquial expressions might be preferred.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse 募る with 集める (あつめる), which also means "to gather." However, 募る implies an active solicitation or recruitment process, often public or formal, whereas 集める is more general and can mean simply collecting or gathering without solicitation.
Understanding these nuances will help learners use 募る appropriately in both social and emotional contexts.