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.
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.
His stamp collection is amazing.
A more formal term for collected items, often used in contexts like museums or archives.
Refers specifically to items held in a collection by an institution like a museum or library.
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.
Referring to a published compilation of stories, poems, or essays.
Referring to the act of collecting funds for a cause.
Specifically for collecting donations or contributions, often for charity.
Referring to a designer's collection of clothing or accessories.
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.
Garbage collection is every Tuesday.
The museum's collection includes ancient pottery.
This museum displays valuable collections.
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.
Data collection takes time.
Used for collecting things that are being retrieved or recovered, such as waste, questionnaires, or debts.
The collection rate of the questionnaires is low.
Specifically for collecting samples, specimens, or natural materials like plants or minerals.
Collection of plants is prohibited.
A common term for a collection of artistic or literary works, such as a poetry collection or an art book.
Her collection of short stories was published.
A complete collection of an author's works, often used for literary or scholarly editions.
I bought the complete collection of Soseki's works.
A selected collection, such as an anthology of poems or essays chosen by an editor.
This selected collection of poems is perfect for beginners.
A collection for disaster relief was held.
Used for collecting money in a more routine or business context, like dues or payments.
The collection of membership fees is at the end of the month.
The standard term in the fashion industry, borrowed from English.
Her new collection was presented in Paris.
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.
They organized a collection for the flood victims.