Usage of 集 (jí)
The character 集 primarily means "to gather" or "to collect." It can describe people coming together, like in a meeting or assembly, or the act of collecting items such as stamps or books. Additionally, 集 can refer to a collection or compilation, such as a poetry collection (诗集).
Common Collocations
- 集会 (jíhuì): assembly or meeting, used when people gather for discussion or events.
- 集邮 (jíyóu): stamp collecting, a common hobby.
- 诗集 (shījí): poetry collection, a book compiling poems.
Notes
When used as a verb, 集 often implies an intentional or organized gathering or collection. It differs from 聚 (jù), which also means "to gather" but often emphasizes physical closeness or crowding. 集 is more formal and can be used in both social and material contexts.
Avoid confusing 集 with 集中 (jízhōng), which means "to concentrate" or "focus," although they share the character 集.
In conversation, 集 is often part of compound words rather than used alone.