Translation guide
The English verb "assemble" covers gathering people, putting parts together, and collecting information. Japanese uses different verbs for each meaning.
To bring people together in one place, often for a meeting or event.
Transitive verb meaning to gather people or things. The most common and versatile choice.
To fit separate pieces together to form a whole object, like furniture or machinery.
To gather facts, evidence, or materials together, often for a specific purpose.
集める is for gathering separate items into a group (people, data). 組み立てる is for fitting parts together to form a single object (furniture, machines). Do not use 集める for physical assembly of objects.
English "assemble" can be translated literally as アセンブルする, but this is unnatural in most contexts. Stick to the verbs above unless you are in a very technical or hobbyist setting.
The president assembled all employees in the conference room.
Intransitive verb meaning people gather or assemble. Use when the subject is the group itself.
大勢の人が広場に集まった。
A large crowd assembled in the square.
Formal term for convening a meeting or summoning members. Often used in official or organizational contexts.
議長は緊急会議を招集した。
The chairperson assembled an emergency meeting.
The standard verb for assembling physical objects from parts. Works for furniture, models, machines, etc.
彼は説明書を見ながら本棚を組み立てた。
He assembled the bookshelf while looking at the instructions.
Used in manufacturing or mechanical contexts for fitting parts together, often with a nuance of attaching or installing.
エンジン部品を組み付ける作業。
The work of assembling engine parts.
Loanword from English, used in technical or hobby contexts (e.g., model kits, programming). Not common in everyday speech.
このプラモデルは簡単にアセンブルできる。
This plastic model can be assembled easily.
Same verb as for gathering people, but used with objects like data, documents, or evidence.
彼は論文のために資料を集めている。
He is assembling materials for his thesis.
Formal term for systematic collection, often used for data, information, or artifacts.
調査チームは現場で証拠を収集した。
The investigation team assembled evidence at the scene.