全集

ぜんしゅう

complete works

JLPT N2

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"全集" (ぜんしゅう) refers to the complete collection of works by a particular author or on a specific subject. It is commonly used in literary contexts to describe a comprehensive set of writings, such as all novels, essays, or poems by one writer.

Common Contexts

You will often see "全集" used when discussing books, authors, or collections in libraries and bookstores. It implies completeness and is usually formal or neutral in tone.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 全集を借りる/買う: to borrow or buy the complete works
  • 全集を集める: to collect the complete works
  • 全集に収める: to include in the complete works

These phrases highlight typical actions related to "全集".

Usage Tips

When using "全集," it usually refers to a physical or published set of works. Avoid confusing it with "全体" (ぜんたい), which means "whole" or "entire" in a more general sense. "全集" is specific to collections of literary or artistic works.

Register

"全集" is a formal noun often used in academic, literary, or bibliographic contexts rather than casual conversation.

Example Sentences

このさっかのぜんしゅうをとしょかんでかりました。

I borrowed the complete works of this author from the library.

ぜんしゅうをあつめるのはたいへんですが、すきなさっかならたのしいです。

Collecting the complete works is difficult, but it's enjoyable if it's your favorite author.

このぜんしゅうにはかれのすべてのしがおさめられています。

This complete works contains all of his poems.