shōují: 收集 - To Collect, To Gather, To Compile

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Summary: Learn how to use “收集” (shōují), the essential Chinese verb for “to collect” or “to gather.” This page covers everything from using it for hobbies like collecting stamps to professional tasks like gathering data for a report. Understand its character breakdown, cultural nuances, and see 10 practical examples to master its use in modern conversation.

Pinyin (with tone marks): shōují

Part of Speech: Verb

HSK Level: 4

Concise Definition: To bring together disparate items or information into one group; to collect or gather.

In a Nutshell: “收集” (shōují) is a straightforward, functional word for the act of accumulation. Think of it as bringing things from different places into one central pile, whether that “pile” is a physical collection of stamps, a digital folder of documents, or a database of user information. It's the process of gathering.

收 (shōu): This character means “to receive,” “to accept,” or “to put away.” The right side (攵) is a variation of a hand holding a stick, suggesting an action. The left side provides phonetic context. Think of it as the action of taking something in.

集 (jí): This character is a beautiful pictograph. It shows birds (隹) on a tree (木). Birds naturally flock or gather in trees, so this character means “to gather” or “to assemble.”

When combined, 收集 (shōují) literally means “to receive and gather.” This powerful combination creates a clear image of actively taking in various items and bringing them together into a collection.

“收集” is more of a functional term than a deeply cultural one, but its usage reflects societal trends. In the late 20th century, hobbies like stamp collecting (收集邮票 - shōují yóupiào) and coin collecting were widespread and seen as wholesome, educational pastimes.

In the modern digital era, the term has exploded in relevance, particularly in the context of technology and business. 收集数据 (shōují shùjù - to collect data) is a cornerstone of the modern Chinese economy, from e-commerce giants to social media apps.

Comparison to English “Collect”: In English, “to collect” can imply a deep passion or connoisseurship (e.g., an “art collector”). While “收集” can describe hobbies, it's often more neutral and task-oriented, similar to “to gather” or “to compile.” For passionate collecting of valuable items, the word 收藏 (shōucáng), meaning “to collect and treasure,” is often more appropriate. You “收集” (gather) information for a report, but you “收藏” (treasure) a rare painting.

“收集” is a versatile, neutral verb used in many contexts, from casual conversation to formal business reports.

收藏 (shōucáng) - To collect something of value; to treasure and store. Used for art, antiques, and precious items.

搜集 (sōují) - A close synonym meaning “to search for and collect,” often used for information, intelligence, or evidence.

采集 (cǎijí) - To gather or collect, but specifically used for samples or specimens taken from a source (e.g., collecting plant samples, blood samples, or field data).

集合 (jíhé) - As a verb, it means “to assemble” or “to gather,” almost exclusively for people. As a noun, it means “a set” in mathematics.

积累 (jīlěi) - To accumulate, often over a long period. It focuses on the gradual build-up of things like experience (经验), knowledge (知识), or wealth (财富).

汇总 (huìzǒng) - To aggregate or summarize. This is what you do *after* you `收集` data—you put it all together into a summary.

资料 (zīliào) - Materials, data, information. A common object for the verb `收集`.

数据 (shùjù) - Data (especially numerical or digital). Another common object for `收集`.