收集 (shōují)

收集 means to gather or collect things, whether physical objects, data, or information.

Meanings

[verb] to collect; to gather; to compile

Example Sentences

研究人员收集了大量的数据进行分析。 Yánjiū rényuán shōujíle dàliàng de shùjù jìnxíng fēnxī. Researchers collected a large amount of data for analysis.

他从小就喜欢收集邮票。 Tā cóng xiǎo jiù xǐhuān shōují yóupiào. He has enjoyed collecting stamps since he was young.

我们需要收集更多的证据才能做出判断。 Wǒmen xūyào shōují gèng duō de zhèngjù cái néng zuòchū pàndìng. We need to gather more evidence before making a judgment.

这本书收集了来自世界各地的民间故事。 Zhè běn shū shōujíle láizì shìjiè gèdì de mínjiān gùshi. This book collects folk stories from all over the world.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
收集数据	to collect data
收集信息	to gather information
收集证据	to collect evidence
收集意见	to collect opinions/feedback

Usage Notes

收集 is commonly used in both academic and everyday contexts. It implies actively seeking out and accumulating items or information. Compare with 积累 (to accumulate over time), which emphasizes gradual buildup, and 整理 (to organize), which refers to sorting already-gathered material.

Memory Hook

收 means "to receive/bring in" and 集 means "to gather/assemble" -- 收集 is bringing things in and assembling them together, i.e., to collect.