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.
I can see a cluster of stars.
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.
The standard astronomical term for a star cluster. Used in both scientific and educational contexts.
Express the action of clustering or gathering into a group.
A cluster of houses forms a village.
岩の塊が道をふさいでいた。
A cluster of rocks was blocking the road.
People were standing in a cluster.
A cluster of birds is flying in the sky.
A cluster of tourists got off the bus.
The direct loanword from English. Common in technical fields such as data science, computing, and epidemiology.
Classify the data into clusters.
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.
A set of points forms a cluster.
Clusters of grapes are hanging heavily.
The clusters of wisteria flowers are beautiful.
Refers to plants growing in a cluster or colony. Used in botany or nature descriptions.
These flowers grow in clusters.
The Pleiades star cluster is visible to the naked eye.
Specifically a cluster of galaxies.
This galaxy cluster contains thousands of galaxies.
Intransitive verb meaning to gather or cluster. Used for people or things coming together spontaneously.
Children are clustering in front of the school gate.
Intransitive verb meaning to swarm or cluster around something, often with a nuance of crowding.
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.
It was cold, so people clustered around the heater.
a cluster of rocks (solid mass)
a cluster/school of fish
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.
People clustered in the square.