Translation guide
The English word 'gathering' refers to people coming together, either casually or formally. In Japanese, the best translation depends on the nature, formality, and purpose of the event.
A small, informal meeting of friends or acquaintances, often for socializing.
A general, neutral term for any gathering of people. Safe for most casual situations.
There's a small gathering at a friend's house tonight.
A slightly more poetic or warm term for a gathering, often used for community or social events.
I attended a local community gathering.
A nominalized verb phrase meaning 'the act of gathering'. Used when you need to emphasize the action rather than the event.
It's important to have regular gatherings.
An organized, often official meeting of people for a specific purpose, such as a conference, committee, or association meeting.
A formal meeting or assembly, often used for business, clubs, or official groups.
I'll send the agenda for next week's gathering.
A public meeting or rally, often for political, social, or religious purposes.
A suffix or standalone word for a meeting or party. Often used in compound words like 歓迎会 (welcome party) or 勉強会 (study group).
A large-scale gathering, often public, such as a festival, fair, or convention.
A loanword from English, widely used for any kind of event or gathering, from concerts to community festivals.
There's a big gathering this weekend.
A traditional festival or celebration, often with food stalls, performances, and a lively atmosphere.
A large convention, tournament, or mass gathering, often for sports, hobbies, or professional groups.
The act of collecting items, information, or people together.
Refers to collecting things like data, stamps, or evidence. Not used for people.
Gathering data takes time.
Gathering samples, specimens, or natural materials like plants or minerals.
Nominalized form of 'to gather/collect'. A general, somewhat wordy phrase.
Gathering information is important.
集まり is a general, neutral term for any gathering, from casual to formal. 会合 is specifically a formal meeting, often with an agenda. Use 集まり for everyday get-togethers and 会合 for business or official assemblies.
集会 implies a public meeting or rally, often with a political or social cause. Using it for a small party with friends would sound strange and overly formal.
There's a rally tonight. (not a casual gathering)
公園で平和のための集会が開かれた。
A gathering for peace was held in the park.
There's a farewell gathering tomorrow.
The summer festival is crowded with people.
ゲーム大会に参加する。
I'm going to a gaming convention.
Gathering plants is prohibited.