Translation guide
The English word "cluster" refers to a group of similar things close together. In Japanese, the best translation depends on what is clustering: physical objects, people, data, plants, stars, etc. This guide covers the most common and natural ways to express this concept.
Express a general cluster of objects, people, or abstract items.
A general noun meaning a gathering or cluster. Works for people, objects, or abstract things. Neutral and widely used.
星の集まりが見える。
I can see a cluster of stars.
家の集まりが村を形成している。
A cluster of houses forms a village.
Emphasizes a solid mass or lump. Often used for physical clusters like rocks, cells, or people huddled together.
Typically used for animals, but can be extended to people or things moving together. Implies a flock, herd, or swarm.
Refer to a cluster in technical contexts like data analysis, machine learning, or computer systems.
Describe a botanical cluster, such as grapes, berries, or blossoms.
Specifically for a bunch or cluster of fruits, flowers, or hair. Very common for grapes (ぶどうの房).
Refer to an astronomical cluster.
Express the action of clustering or gathering into a group.
集まり is the most general and neutral term for any cluster. 塊 emphasizes a solid mass or lump, often physical. 群れ is primarily for animals but can be used for people or things moving together. Choose based on the nature of the cluster.
English 'cluster' as a verb is often translated with intransitive verbs like 集まる or 群がる. Using クラスターする is not standard Japanese and sounds unnatural. Stick to established verbs.
岩の塊が道をふさいでいた。
A cluster of rocks was blocking the road.
人々が塊になって立っていた。
People were standing in a cluster.
A cluster of birds is flying in the sky.
観光客の群れがバスから降りてきた。
A cluster of tourists got off the bus.
The direct loanword from English. Common in technical fields such as data science, computing, and epidemiology.
データをクラスターに分類する。
Classify the data into clusters.
この地域で感染クラスターが発生した。
A cluster of infections occurred in this area.
A mathematical/scientific term for a set or collection. Used in formal contexts for clusters of points or elements.
点の集合がクラスターを形成する。
A set of points forms a cluster.
ぶどうの房がたわわに実っている。
Clusters of grapes are hanging heavily.
藤の花の房が美しい。
The clusters of wisteria flowers are beautiful.
Refers to plants growing in a cluster or colony. Used in botany or nature descriptions.
この花は群生している。
These flowers grow in clusters.
The standard astronomical term for a star cluster. Used in both scientific and educational contexts.
プレアデス星団は肉眼でも見える。
The Pleiades star cluster is visible to the naked eye.
Specifically a cluster of galaxies.
この銀河団は何千もの銀河を含んでいる。
This galaxy cluster contains thousands of galaxies.
Intransitive verb meaning to gather or cluster. Used for people or things coming together spontaneously.
子供たちが校門の前に集まっている。
Children are clustering in front of the school gate.
Intransitive verb meaning to swarm or cluster around something, often with a nuance of crowding.
ハエが食べ物に群がっている。
Flies are clustering around the food.
Intransitive verb meaning to harden or clump together. Can be used for people clustering tightly or substances forming lumps.
寒くて人々が暖房の周りに固まった。
It was cold, so people clustered around the heater.
People clustered in the square.
People clustered in the square.