Translation and Meaning of: 集金 - shuukin

If you are studying Japanese or have an interest in the language, you may have come across the word 集金 (しゅうきん). This expression appears in specific contexts and may raise questions about its exact meaning, everyday use, and even its origin. In this article, we will explore everything about 集金, from its literal translation to how it is culturally perceived in Japan. If you want to understand this word better for use in conversations or studies, keep reading!

The term 集金 (しゅうきん) means "collection of money" or "fundraising" in English.

The word 集金 is composed of two kanji: 集 (shuu), which means "to collect" or "to gather," and 金 (kin), which refers to "money." Together, they form the term that can be translated as "money collection" or "fundraising." It is important to note that 集金 does not have a negative connotation in itself — it simply describes the act of gathering financial resources, whether for community events, donations, or even payments.

In Japan, 集金 is often associated with activities organized by schools, neighborhood associations, or local groups. For example, when there is a traditional festival in the neighborhood, residents may contribute a sum of money to cover the costs. This process is called 集金. The word can also appear in business contexts, such as in the collection of fees or monthly payments.

How and when to use 集金 in daily life

The use of 集金 is more common in formal or semi-formal situations, especially when there is an organized structure behind the collection. If you participate in a club or group in Japan, you are likely to hear phrases such as "今月の集金は来週です" (konsetsu no shuukin wa raishuu desu), which means "This month's collection will be next week." This type of communication is direct and practical, without beating around the bush.

It's worth noting that 集金 is not used to describe spontaneous donations or crowdfunding campaigns on the internet. In these cases, terms like 寄付 (kifu, "donation") or 資金調達 (shikin choutatsu, "fundraising") are more appropriate. If you want to talk about raising money for a personal cause, for example, it's better to choose other expressions.

The origin and components of 集金

Analyzing the kanjis that make up 集金, we can better understand its meaning. The character 集 (shuu) is formed by the radical 隹 (furutori, which represents a bird) combined with 木 (ki, "tree"). This image suggests the idea of birds gathering in a tree, hence the meaning of "collecting" or "grouping." On the other hand, 金 (kin) is one of the oldest kanjis for "money" or "gold," representing value and wealth.

Although 集金 is not an ancient word, its kanjis carry centuries of history. The combined use of these characters reflects the importance of organization and collective work in Japanese culture. From traditional events to small community contributions, the idea of gathering resources for a common good is deeply rooted in Japan.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 収集 (shūshū) - Collection or gathering of items; the act of bringing together or accumulating something.
• 徴収 (chōshū) - Collection; the action of collecting fees or taxes.
• 回収 (kaishū) - Recovery; the act of reclaiming or retaining something that was previously distributed.

集金

Romaji: shuukin
Kana: しゅうきん
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: money collection

Meaning in English: money collection

Definition: To charge payments for goods or services.

Example Sentences - (集金) shuukin

See below some example sentences:

集金は明日行います。

Shuukin wa ashita okonaimasu

The money collection will be done tomorrow.

Let's collect money tomorrow.

• 集金 - collecting money
• は - Topic particle
• 明日 - tomorrow
• 行います - carry out, do