Definitions

(verb) to gather; to collect
(noun) collected works
(noun) episode

Etymology

Depicts birds () gathering together on top of a tree ().

About

The character "集" is structurally composed of "隹", denoting a bird, atop "木", denoting a tree, visually conveying the idea of birds congregating on a tree. Etymologically, this configuration gave rise to its original meaning of birds perching or assembling, which over time generalized to signify any act of gathering, collecting, or bringing together. This semantic expansion allowed the character to apply broadly, from physical gatherings of people or items to abstract collections such as literary anthologies or market assemblies, while its structural composition has consistently reflected its foundational concept.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Shang dynasty (~1100 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Western Zhou (~800 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Warring States (~250 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Warring States (~250 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我们在公园合。

Wǒmen zài gōngyuán jíhé.

We gather at the park.

我喜欢收邮票。

Wǒ xǐhuān shōují yóupiào.

I like collecting stamps.

学校中了很多学生。

Xuéxiào jízhōngle hěn duō xuéshēng.

The school has gathered many students.

这个市非常热闹。

Zhège jíshì fēicháng rènao.

This market is very lively.

他专注于收数据。

Tā zhuānzhù yú shōují shùjù.

He focuses on collecting data.

我们需要中精力学习。

Wǒmen xūyào jízhōng jīnglì xuéxí.

We need to concentrate on studying.

这本书是短篇小说

Zhè běn shū shì duǎnpiān xiǎoshuō jí.

This book is a collection of short stories.

他们计划成这些系统。

Tāmen jìhuà jíchéng zhèxiē xìtǒng.

They plan to integrate these systems.