収集

しゅうしゅう

gathering up, collection

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"収集" (しゅうしゅう) primarily means "collection" or "gathering up" of items, data, or materials. It is a noun often used in formal or written contexts, such as collecting stamps, data, or garbage.

Common Contexts

It appears in hobbies (like stamp collecting), scientific or business contexts (data collection), and public services (garbage collection).

Collocations and Patterns

  • 収集する: to collect or gather (used as a verb)
  • データ収集: data collection
  • ごみ収集: garbage collection
  • 情報収集: information gathering

Usage Notes

"収集" is more formal than casual words like "集める" (to gather). It often implies systematic or organized collecting. Learners sometimes confuse it with "収穫" (harvest), but "収集" is broader and not limited to crops.

Use "収集" when emphasizing the act of gathering items or information in an organized or official manner.

Example Sentences

かれはきってのしゅうしゅうがしゅみです。

His hobby is collecting stamps.

データのしゅうしゅうにはじかんがかかります。

Collecting data takes time.

ごみのしゅうしゅうはまいしゅうげつようびにおこなわれます。

Garbage collection is done every Monday.