Translation guide
A person who gathers items of a specific type as a hobby or profession. In Japanese, the most common way to express this is by attaching 〜家 (か) or 〜収集家 (しゅうしゅうか) to the collected item, or using the general term コレクター. The choice depends on formality and the type of collection.
To refer to someone who collects items as a hobby, without specifying the type.
The most direct and common loanword for 'collector'. Used widely for hobbyists of all kinds.
彼は熱心なコレクターだ。
He is an avid collector.
A more formal or literary term for a collector. Often used in written contexts.
To specify what someone collects, e.g., stamps, coins, art.
Attach the item name directly before コレクター. This is the most natural and common way in casual and spoken Japanese.
彼女は切手コレクターです。
She is a stamp collector.
アンティークコレクターの集まりに行った。
I went to a gathering of antique collectors.
A more formal version. Often used in writing or when referring to serious collectors.
美術品収集家として知られている。
He is known as an art collector.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'a person who collects [item]'. Useful when you don't know the specific term or want to be clear.
古いカメラを集めている人が多い。
There are many people who collect old cameras.
To refer to someone whose job is to collect money, taxes, or debts.
Specifically a tax collector or revenue officer. Used in official contexts.
税務署の徴収官が来た。
A tax collector from the tax office came.
A person who collects money, such as a bill collector or debt collector. Can sound slightly old-fashioned.
集金人が毎月家に来る。
A bill collector comes to the house every month.
A rough or aggressive debt collector. Often has negative connotations.
This term implies harassment or aggressive tactics. Use with care.
To describe an item that is valuable or intended for collectors.
Direct loanword for 'collector's item'. Commonly understood.
このフィギュアはコレクターズアイテムだ。
This figure is a collector's item.
Means 'limited edition', often used for collector's editions of products.
コレクター is the everyday word for a hobbyist collector. 収集家 sounds more formal and is often used for serious or professional collectors, especially in writing. For most casual situations, コレクター is preferred.
彼はただのコレクターじゃない、本物の収集家だ。
He's not just a collector; he's a true connoisseur.
For professional roles like 'tax collector' or 'debt collector', do not use コレクター. Use specific terms like 徴収官 or 集金人. コレクター implies a hobby.
税務署の徴収官が来た。
A tax collector came.
彼は有名な切手収集家です。
He is a famous stamp collector.
He is being chased by debt collectors.
I bought the limited edition CD.