Meaning and Usage
The word "群れ" (むれ) refers to a group or collection of animals or people gathered together, such as a flock of birds, a herd of animals, or a crowd of people. It is commonly used to describe natural groupings in both animals and humans.
Common Contexts
You will often see "群れ" used when talking about animals moving together, like birds, fish, or insects. It can also describe groups of people, especially when emphasizing the collective nature or the idea of being part of a larger group.
Collocations and Patterns
- 群れを作る (むれをつくる): to form a group or flock
- 群れから離れる (むれからはなれる): to leave the group
- 群れで行動する (むれでこうどうする): to act as a group
These expressions highlight social behavior or movement in groups.
Register and Nuance
"群れ" is neutral in formality and can be used in everyday conversation as well as in written language. It often carries a natural or biological nuance when referring to animals, but can also be used metaphorically for people.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "群れ" with "集まり" (あつまり), which also means gathering or meeting. However, "群れ" emphasizes a natural or instinctive grouping, often of animals, while "集まり" is more general and can refer to planned meetings or social gatherings.