Translation guide
The English word 'collection' can refer to a group of objects gathered together, the act of gathering them, or a set of creative works. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
私は切手のコレクションがたくさんあります。
I have a large stamp collection.
Referring to an assembled set of items, such as stamps, art, or personal belongings.
The most direct and common loanword for a personal collection of items like stamps, coins, or figurines.
彼の切手のコレクションはすごい。
His stamp collection is amazing.
A more formal term for collected items, often used in contexts like museums or archives.
この博物館には貴重な収集品が展示されている。
This museum displays valuable collections.
Refers specifically to items held in a collection by an institution like a museum or library.
図書館の所蔵品には古い地図が含まれている。
The library's collection includes old maps.
Describing the process of collecting items, data, or money.
The general term for collecting things like data, stamps, or garbage. Often used in compound verbs like 収集する.
データの収集には時間がかかる。
Data collection takes time.
Used for collecting things that are being retrieved or recovered, such as waste, questionnaires, or debts.
Specifically for collecting samples, specimens, or natural materials like plants or minerals.
Referring to a published compilation of stories, poems, or essays.
A common term for a collection of artistic or literary works, such as a poetry collection or an art book.
彼女の短編集が出版された。
Her collection of short stories was published.
A complete collection of an author's works, often used for literary or scholarly editions.
A selected collection, such as an anthology of poems or essays chosen by an editor.
Referring to the act of collecting funds for a cause.
Specifically for collecting donations or contributions, often for charity.
災害のための募金活動が行われた。
A collection for disaster relief was held.
Used for collecting money in a more routine or business context, like dues or payments.
Referring to a designer's collection of clothing or accessories.
The standard term in the fashion industry, borrowed from English.
彼女の新しいコレクションはパリで発表された。
Her new collection was presented in Paris.
収集 is for gathering things intentionally, like data or stamps. 回収 is for retrieving or recovering things that are out in the world, like garbage or questionnaires.
ゴミの回収は毎週火曜日です。
Garbage collection is every Tuesday.
データの収集には同意が必要だ。
Data collection requires consent.
While コレクション is common for personal collections, it sounds unnatural for things like garbage collection or data collection. Use the appropriate Japanese term instead.
その博物館の収集品には古代の土器が含まれている。
The museum's collection includes ancient pottery.
彼らは洪水の被災者のために募金を組織した。
They organized a collection for the flood victims.
アンケートの回収率が低い。
The collection rate of the questionnaires is low.
Collection of plants is prohibited.
漱石全集を買った。
I bought the complete collection of Soseki's works.
この詩の選集は初心者に最適だ。
This selected collection of poems is perfect for beginners.
会費の集金は月末です。
The collection of membership fees is at the end of the month.