Meaning and Usage
The verb 群がる (むらがる) means "to swarm" or "to gather in a group." It often describes people, animals, or insects gathering closely together, usually in a somewhat chaotic or dense way.
Common Contexts
You will frequently see 群がる used to describe crowds of people or animals gathering around something interesting or important, such as fans around a celebrity or insects around a light.
Collocations and Patterns
- 群がる + に + location: indicates the place where the crowd gathers (e.g., 店の前に群がる - swarm in front of the store).
- 群がる + て + verb: describes the action of swarming and then doing something (e.g., 群がって遊ぶ - gather and play).
Register and Nuance
This verb is neutral but often used in descriptive or narrative contexts. It can imply a somewhat uncontrolled or spontaneous gathering, not an organized meeting.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 群がる with 集まる (あつまる), which also means "to gather." 群がる emphasizes the dense, swarming nature of the gathering, often with a sense of crowding or excitement, while 集まる is more neutral and can be used for planned meetings or groups.