集める
atsumeru
/at͡sɯmeɾɯ/
Definition
To gather or collect things (or people) into one place.
Example
彼女は世界中の切手を集めている。
Show translation
She is collecting stamps from around the world.
Etymology
Composed of 集 (*atsu*-, from 集まる *atsumaru*, "to gather [intransitively]") + the causative/transitive suffix *-meru*. The kanji 集 depicts birds roosting together in a tree, visually embodying the idea of things coming together in one spot.
Cultural note
Collecting hobbies (*shūshū*, 収集) are deeply popular in Japan — from vintage toys and trading cards to manhole covers and regional train stamps (*ekiin*, 駅印). The verb 集める sits at the heart of this culture. Note that 集める is the transitive partner of 集まる (to gather, intransitively): you *atsumeru* your stamp collection, but people *atsumaru* in a square. Mixing the two up is a common learner error.