gather
N4- Onyomi
- シュウ
- Kunyomi
- あつ(まる)
- Stroke count
- 12
- JLPT
- N4
Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.
Memory tip
Break 集 down and you get 隹 (short-tailed bird) — a small bird perched with its wing folded, and beside it 木 (tree / wood) — a tree with branches reaching up and roots spreading down. Picture three small birds perched together on one branch, put 集 inside it, and let that scene stand for "gather" — gather. The odder the picture, the better it sticks.
Stroke Order
Stroke count: 12
General writing tips
These general rules have exceptions. Follow the animation and numbered frames for this character.
- •上から下へ書きます。Write from top to bottom.
- •左から右へ書きます。Write from left to right.
- •横の画を先に、縦の画を後に書きます。Write horizontal strokes before the vertical strokes that cross them.
- •外側の囲みを先に書き、中を後で書きます。Draw an outer enclosure first, then fill in what is inside.
- •中央を先に、左右を後に書きます。In symmetric shapes, write the centre before the left and right sides.
- •この漢字は12画です。下の練習エリアで順番に書いてみましょう。This kanji has 12 strokes — trace them in order in the practice area below.
Step by step
Practice Writing
Free writing practice — compare your writing with the example. This canvas does not check your shape or stroke order. Draw with a mouse, finger, or pen; scroll outside the square to move down the page.
Trace the faded character, or hide the outline to practise from memory.
Writing Tips
- Follow the order strictly: top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Correct order makes the shape balanced and natural.
- Keep each stroke in one smooth motion — don't lift the pen in the middle of a stroke.
- Close enclosing strokes cleanly so the character does not look open or broken.
- Common mistake: drawing strokes bottom-to-top or right-to-left. Even if the result looks similar, the wrong order shows in handwriting and makes it harder to read.
Example words
集まる
atsumaru
to gather
集める
atsumeru
to collect
編集
henshuu
editing
集計
shuukei
tally
徴集
choushuu
levy
集中
shuuchuu
concentration
Example sentences (3)
九時に会議室に集まってください。
くじ に かいぎしつ に あつまって ください。
kuji ni kaigishitsu ni atsumatte kudasai.
Please gather in the meeting room at nine.
祭りの日は、たくさんの人がこの公園に集まります。
まつり の ひ は、たくさん の ひと が この こうえん に あつまります。
matsuri no hi wa, takusan no hito ga kono kouen ni atsumarimasu.
On the day of the festival, many people gather in this park.
会議の資料を集めています。
かいぎ の しりょう を あつめています。
kaigi no shiryou o atsumeteimasu.
I am gathering the materials for the meeting.