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B1 noun 8 Min. Lesezeit

群れ

mure
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At the A1 level, you can think of '群れ' (mure) as a simple word for a 'group' of animals. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet. Just remember that if you see many birds or many fish together, you can call them a '群れ'. It is like saying 'a lot of animals together'. For example, if you go to a park and see many pigeons, you can say '鳥の群れ' (tori no mure). In your early studies, you will mostly see this word in picture books or simple stories about nature. Focus on the pattern '[Animal] の 群れ'. This will help you describe what you see in the world around you in a simple way. You might also hear it when people talk about crowds in very busy places like Tokyo, but for now, just think of it as a word for animal groups. It's a very useful word because English has many different words (flock, herd, school), but in Japanese, this one word covers almost everything! This makes it much easier for you to learn than it is for Japanese people to learn English collective nouns.
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At the A2 level, you should start using '群れ' (mure) to make your descriptions more specific. Instead of just saying 'many animals' (たくさん動物がいます), you can say 'there is a herd/flock' (群れがいます). You will also learn the verb form '群れる' (mureru), which means 'to gather in a group'. You might use this to talk about how people gather at a station or how insects swarm around a light. At this level, you should also notice that '群れ' is usually followed by verbs of movement like '飛ぶ' (tobu - fly), '泳ぐ' (oyogu - swim), or '走る' (hashiru - run). For example, '魚の群れが泳いでいます' (A school of fish is swimming). You are starting to see how Japanese uses 'の' to connect nouns. Remember that '群れ' is a noun, so it follows all the standard noun rules you have learned. Practice using it when you describe photos of nature or busy city scenes. This will help you sound more like a natural Japanese speaker who observes the world in groups rather than just individual items.
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As a B1 learner, you are expected to understand the nuance of '群れ' (mure) in different contexts, including metaphorical ones. You should be able to distinguish between '群れ' and more formal words like '集団' (shūdan). At this level, you will encounter the word in more complex reading materials, such as news articles or short stories. You should understand phrases like '群れからはぐれる' (to wander away from the flock), which can be used literally for a lost sheep or metaphorically for a person who doesn't fit into society. You will also see '群れ' used in the context of social behavior. For instance, '群れを作る' (to form a group) can describe how people naturally congregate. You should also be aware of the slightly negative nuance when '群れる' is used to describe people—it can imply a 'herd mentality' or a lack of independence. This is a great word to use when discussing social dynamics or environmental issues in your speaking and writing. It adds a level of descriptive depth that 'たくさん' (many) or 'グループ' (group) simply cannot provide.
At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using '群れ' (mure) in academic, literary, and professional contexts. You will encounter it in scientific texts discussing animal behavior (ethology) and in literature where it might symbolize the masses or the common people. You should be able to use advanced collocations such as '群れをなして' (in flocks/in droves) to describe large-scale movements. At this level, you should also understand the kanji's history and how it influences the word's meaning. You will be able to discuss the psychological aspects of '群れ意識' (herd consciousness/mentality) and how it affects Japanese society's emphasis on harmony (wa). Your ability to use '群れ' correctly in these abstract discussions will demonstrate a high level of linguistic and cultural competence. You should also be able to recognize when a writer uses '群れ' instead of '群衆' (gunshū) to create a specific atmosphere—perhaps one that is more primal or less organized. Mastering these subtle choices is a hallmark of the B2 level.
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At the C1 level, you will analyze the use of '群れ' (mure) in high-level literature and philosophy. You should understand how authors use the word to explore themes of individuality versus the collective. For example, in a novel, a character 'leaving the flock' (群れを去る) might represent a profound existential choice. You will also encounter '群れ' in complex idiomatic expressions and specialized scientific terminology. You should be able to appreciate the rhythmic and evocative qualities of the word in poetry or prose. At this level, your usage should be impeccable, choosing '群れ' over its synonyms with a clear understanding of the stylistic implications. You might also explore the word's relationship to other 'group' kanji like '党' (tou - party) or '派' (ha - faction) and be able to explain the differences in nuance to others. Your understanding of '群れ' will be integrated into a broad and deep knowledge of the Japanese lexicon, allowing you to use it with the same precision and flair as a native speaker.
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At the C2 level, you have a near-native grasp of '群れ' (mure) and all its permutations. You can use it in any register, from the most casual slang to the most formal academic discourse. You are aware of its historical development and how its usage has shifted over centuries of Japanese literature. You can engage in deep discussions about the sociolinguistic implications of 'mureru' (to flock) in modern Japanese urban life. You understand the word's role in the 'landscape of the Japanese mind', where the collective is often prioritized over the individual. You can use '群れ' to create sophisticated metaphors in your own writing, perhaps subverting its usual meanings for artistic effect. At this level, the word is no longer just a vocabulary item; it is a tool for nuanced expression and a window into the cultural soul of Japan. You can effortlessly switch between '群れ', '群衆', '集団', and '団体' to convey the exact shade of meaning required by the context, demonstrating a complete mastery of the Japanese language's descriptive power.
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群れ in 30 Sekunden

  • 群れ (mure) is the primary Japanese word for a flock, herd, or school of animals, acting as a versatile collective noun for living things.
  • It is also used for human crowds, often implying a lack of individuality or a 'herd mentality' depending on the social context.
  • The most common grammatical pattern is '[Noun] + の + 群れ', and it is frequently paired with verbs like 'なす' (to form).
  • Distinguish it from 集団 (shūdan) for organized groups and 群衆 (gunshū) for large, formal human crowds in public spaces.

The Japanese noun 群れ (pronounced mure) is an essential term for describing collective groups of living things. While English uses a variety of specific terms like 'flock' for birds, 'herd' for cattle, 'school' for fish, or 'swarm' for bees, Japanese often consolidates these into this single, versatile word. It captures the essence of a group moving or existing as a single cohesive unit. This word is not just a biological descriptor; it reflects the Japanese linguistic tendency to categorize things based on their collective behavior and spatial arrangement.

Biological Context
In the natural world, 群れ is the default term for any gathering of animals. Whether it is a thousand sardines shimmering in the ocean or a dozen deer grazing in Nara Park, they are all referred to as a 群れ. It implies a natural, often instinctual gathering rather than an organized human structure.

夕焼けの空を、カラスの群れが飛んでいく。(A flock of crows is flying through the sunset sky.)

Human Context
When applied to humans, 群れ takes on a more nuanced, sometimes critical tone. It describes a 'crowd' or 'throng' of people, often suggesting a lack of individual identity. If you see a mass of commuters at Shinjuku Station, you might describe them as a 群れ to emphasize their collective movement as a faceless mass.

Furthermore, the word is deeply embedded in Japanese literature and media. In anime or manga, a '群れ' of monsters or enemies suggests an overwhelming force of numbers. In scientific contexts, it is used to discuss social structures in ethology. The kanji itself, composed of 'sheep' (羊) and 'lord/ruler' (君), historically hinted at a group under a leader, though in modern usage, the 'leader' aspect is not always present. Understanding this word helps learners move beyond simple nouns and start describing scenes with more texture and biological accuracy. It is a bridge between basic vocabulary and descriptive storytelling.

彼は群れから離れて一人で歩き出した。(He left the crowd and started walking alone.)

Visual Nuance
The word evokes a visual of many small parts forming a large shape. It is the 'noise' of wings, the 'ripple' of scales, or the 'hum' of a crowd. It is less about the individuals and more about the collective energy and presence of the group.

Using 群れ correctly involves understanding its grammatical placement and the verbs it typically pairs with. As a noun, it functions as the subject or object of a sentence, often modified by a preceding noun using the possessive particle 'の'. The most common verb associated with it is 'なす' (nasu), meaning to form, as in '群れをなす' (to form a group/flock).

Basic Structure
The standard pattern is [Animal] + の + 群れ. For example, 'スズメの群れ' (a flock of sparrows). This can then be followed by particles like 'が' (subject) or 'を' (object) depending on the action being described.

草原でシマウマの群れが草を食べている。(A herd of zebras is eating grass in the savanna.)

When describing the act of gathering into a group, the verb '群れる' (mureru) is used. This is the verbal form of the noun. While '群れをなす' is slightly more formal and descriptive of a state, '群れる' is more active. In casual conversation, '群れる' can sometimes have a negative connotation, like 'hanging out in cliques' or 'acting like sheep'.

Verbal Expressions
Common verbs include: 群れからはぐれる (to get separated from the flock), 群れを作る (to make/form a group), and 群れを率いる (to lead a flock/herd).

その少年は、いつも群れから離れて本を読んでいた。(That boy was always away from the crowd, reading a book.)

Another important aspect is countability. In Japanese, '群れ' itself acts as a counter-like noun. You don't usually say 'one flock' or 'two flocks' using standard counters; instead, you might say '一つの群れ' (one group) or 'いくつかの群れ' (several groups). This makes it very flexible for describing large, indeterminate numbers of things. Whether you are writing a scientific report or a novel, knowing how to manipulate '群れ' allows for precise imagery.

海の中では、小さな魚たちが大きな群れを作って敵から身を守っている。(In the sea, small fish form large schools to protect themselves from enemies.)

Social Dynamics
When talking about school life or office politics, '群れ' can describe the social circles people form. '群れを嫌う' (hating crowds/cliques) is a common way to describe an individualist or a 'lone wolf' (一匹狼 - ippiki ookami).

You will encounter 群れ in a variety of real-world settings, ranging from educational broadcasts to daily news and literature. It is a 'high-frequency' word in specific domains, making it a valuable addition to your vocabulary for understanding Japanese media.

Nature Documentaries
This is perhaps the most common place to hear the word. Programs like NHK's 'Darwin's Amazing Animals' (ダーウィンが来た!) frequently use '群れ' to describe the behavior of lions, penguins, or migrating birds. Narrators often use phrases like '壮大な群れの移動' (a grand migration of the herd).

ペンギンの群れが氷の上で身を寄せ合っています。(A colony of penguins are huddling together on the ice.)

News and Current Events
In news reports, '群れ' is used when animals enter human habitats. For example, reports on monkeys (サルの群れ) or wild boars (イノシシの群れ) coming down from the mountains into residential areas are common in Japan. It is also used to describe large crowds of tourists at famous landmarks.

In fictional media, such as anime, '群れ' often sets a scene of scale. In fantasy series, a '魔物の群れ' (a swarm of monsters) is a standard trope. In psychological dramas, characters might talk about the '群れ' of society, expressing feelings of alienation or the pressure to conform. This metaphorical usage is crucial for understanding deeper themes in Japanese storytelling, where the tension between the individual (個 - ko) and the group (集団 - shūdan) is a recurring motif.

駅前には、帰宅を急ぐ人の群れができていた。(In front of the station, there was a crowd of people rushing home.)

Educational Settings
In science class, Japanese students learn about '群れ社会' (gure-shakai), or social groups in animals. They study how bees, ants, and primates interact within their respective '群れ'. This academic foundation makes the word very familiar to all native speakers from a young age.

While 群れ is a versatile word, learners often make mistakes by overusing it or confusing it with other words that mean 'group'. Understanding these distinctions is key to sounding natural.

Mistake 1: Confusing with 集団 (shūdan)
集団 is usually used for organized human groups with a specific purpose, like a 'study group' or a 'protest group'. 群れ, when used for humans, sounds more like a 'herd' or an unorganized mass. Using 群れ for your soccer team would sound very strange and possibly insulting.

Incorrect: 私のサッカーの群れは強いです。
Correct: 私のサッカーのチームは強いです。

Mistake 2: Using it for Inanimate Objects
Learners often try to use 群れ for groups of things like books, cars, or stars. Unless you are being highly poetic, this is incorrect. For cars, use '列' (retsu - line) or '数台' (sudai - several cars). For stars, use '星団' (seidan - star cluster) or '星座' (seiza - constellation).

Another subtle mistake is the nuance of '群れる'. While '群れ' is neutral, the verb '群れる' (mureru) often carries a negative connotation in social contexts, implying that people are only acting together because they are weak or lack individuality. If you want to say 'friends hanging out together', use '集まる' (atsumaru) or '遊ぶ' (asobu) instead to avoid sounding judgmental.

Negative context: 若者が渋谷に群れている。(Youths are swarming/crowding in Shibuya - implies a bit of a nuisance.)

Mistake 3: Counter Confusion
Do not confuse '群れ' with specific animal counters like '羽' (wa) for birds or '頭' (tou) for large animals. '群れ' describes the group as a whole, while counters are for individuals. You can say '100羽の鳥が一つの群れを作っている' (100 birds are forming one flock).

To truly master Japanese, you need to know when to use 群れ and when to choose one of its synonyms. Each word has a specific 'flavor' and context.

群れ (Mure) vs. 集団 (Shūdan)
群れ: Natural, biological, often unorganized. Used for animals and crowds of people.
集団: Organized, social, purposeful. Used for human organizations, sociological groups, and structured entities.

Comparison: 猿の群れ (a troop of monkeys) vs. 利益集団 (an interest group).

群れ (Mure) vs. 群衆 (Gunshū)
群れ: Can be animals or people. More general.
群衆: Specifically for a large crowd of people, usually in a public space. It sounds more formal and 'literary' than 群れ. Think of a 'throng' or 'mob'.

Other alternatives include 団体 (dantai), which refers to a formal organization or a travel group (like a tour group), and 塊 (katamari), which refers to a physical lump or cluster of things, whether living or non-living. There is also 隊 (tai), used for organized lines or squads, such as 'アリの隊列' (a line of ants) or '軍隊' (army).

彼は団体旅行よりも一人旅を好む。(He prefers solo travel over group/organized tours.)

Summary Table
WordUsageNuance
群れAnimals/PeopleNatural, collective
集団HumansPurposeful, structured
群衆HumansLarge crowd, formal
団体HumansOfficial organization

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The kanji 群 consists of 君 (lord/ruler) and 羊 (sheep). This reflects the ancient concept of a shepherd leading a flock, or a ruler governing a group of people.

Aussprachehilfe

UK mɯ.ɾe
US mu.re
The pitch accent is 'Heiban' (Type 0), meaning the pitch starts low and rises, then stays flat.
Reimt sich auf
Kure (dusk) Hare (clear weather) Ware (I/self) Mare (rare) Tsure (companion) Sure (rubbing) Ore (I - masculine) Sore (that)
Häufige Fehler
  • Pronouncing the 'r' like an English 'r' (keep it as a tongue tap).
  • Making the 'u' too long (it should be short and unrounded).
  • Confusing the pitch with 'mure' (Type 2 - which doesn't exist for this word but is a common error).
  • Pronouncing 'e' like 'ay' in 'say' (it should be a pure short 'e').
  • Over-emphasizing the first syllable.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 3/5

The kanji is N3 level, but the concept is easy to grasp.

Schreiben 4/5

The kanji '群' has several strokes but is logically constructed.

Sprechen 2/5

Easy to pronounce with a simple 'mure' sound.

Hören 2/5

Distinctive sound that is easy to catch in nature shows.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

動物 (dōbutsu) - animal たくさん (takusan) - many グループ (gurūpu) - group 鳥 (tori) - bird 魚 (sakana) - fish

Als Nächstes lernen

集団 (shūdan) - group/collective 群衆 (gunshū) - crowd 群れる (mureru) - to flock 社会 (shakai) - society 行動 (kōdō) - action/behavior

Fortgeschritten

付和雷同 (fuwa-raidō) - following blindly 烏合の衆 (ugō no shū) - disorderly mob 帰属意識 (kizoku-ishiki) - sense of belonging

Wichtige Grammatik

Connecting nouns with の

羊の群れ (A flock of sheep)

Using をなす to describe formation

群れをなして飛ぶ (Fly in a flock)

Intransitive verb 群れる

若者が駅に群れている (Youths are crowding at the station)

Verb はぐれる for separation

親の群れからはぐれる (Get separated from the parents' herd)

Noun + 全体 to mean 'the whole group'

群れ全体が移動する (The whole herd moves)

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Beispiele nach Niveau

1

鳥の群れが見えます。

I can see a flock of birds.

Subject + が + 見えます (can see).

2

羊の群れがいます。

There is a flock of sheep.

Noun + が + います (there is/are for living things).

3

魚の群れはきれいです。

The school of fish is beautiful.

Topic marker は followed by an adjective.

4

大きな群れですね。

It's a big group, isn't it?

Adjective + Noun + ですね (agreement/confirmation).

5

あの群れは何ですか？

What is that group over there?

Demonstrative pronoun 'あの' (that over there).

6

猿の群れが山にいます。

There is a troop of monkeys in the mountain.

Location marker に.

7

小さな群れを見つけました。

I found a small group.

Past tense of 見つける (to find).

8

群れと一緒に歩きます。

I walk with the group.

Particle 'と' (with) + 一緒に (together).

1

牛の群れが道を歩いています。

A herd of cows is walking on the road.

Present continuous verb form (〜ています).

2

あそこに鳥の群れが集まっています。

A flock of birds is gathering over there.

Verb 集まる (to gather).

3

群れから離れないでください。

Please do not leave the group.

Negative request (〜ないでください).

4

魚の群れが速く泳いでいきました。

The school of fish swam away quickly.

Compound verb form (〜ていきました).

5

公園に人の群れができています。

A crowd of people is forming in the park.

Phrase '群れができる' (a group forms).

6

彼は群れの中に入りました。

He entered the middle of the group.

Directional particle に.

7

その群れはとても静かでした。

That group was very quiet.

Past tense of na-adjective/noun sentences.

8

私たちは群れを追いかけました。

We chased the herd.

Direct object marker を.

1

一匹の狼が群れからはぐれてしまった。

A single wolf got separated from the pack.

Verb はぐれる (to get separated/lost).

2

若者たちが駅の前に群れている。

Young people are swarming in front of the station.

Intransitive verb 群れる used for people.

3

渡り鳥の群れが南へ向かっている。

The flock of migratory birds is heading south.

Noun 渡り鳥 (migratory bird).

4

彼は群れに馴染めず、一人でいることを選んだ。

He couldn't fit into the group and chose to be alone.

Potential negative form of 馴染む (to fit in/get used to).

5

その島には、野生の馬の群れが住んでいる。

A herd of wild horses lives on that island.

Relative clause modifying '群れ'.

6

アリの群れが食べ物を運んでいるのが見える。

I can see a swarm of ants carrying food.

Nominalizer 'の' turning the clause into an object.

7

群れを維持するためには、リーダーが必要です。

A leader is necessary to maintain the group.

Purpose clause with 'ために'.

8

彼女は群れをなして飛ぶ鳥の姿に感動した。

She was moved by the sight of birds flying in a flock.

Passive-like expression with 'に感動した'.

1

人間もまた、群れを作る本能を持っている。

Humans also possess the instinct to form groups.

Particle 'もまた' (also/moreover).

2

その政治家は、群衆の心理を巧みに操った。

The politician skillfully manipulated the psychology of the crowd.

Using '群衆' (gunshū) as a more formal synonym.

3

群れからはぐれた小鹿を保護した。

We protected a fawn that had strayed from the herd.

Verb はぐれる in a modifying clause.

4

都会の喧騒の中、人の群れに飲み込まれそうになる。

In the hustle and bustle of the city, I feel like I'm being swallowed by the crowd.

Passive potential form '飲み込まれそうになる'.

5

イワシの群れが巨大な壁のように見えた。

The school of sardines looked like a giant wall.

Simile with 'のように見えた'.

6

彼は群れを嫌い、常に独自の道を歩んできた。

He disliked the crowd and has always walked his own path.

Noun + を嫌う (to dislike/hate).

7

群れ全体の利益を考えることが重要だ。

It is important to consider the interests of the group as a whole.

Noun + 全体 (the whole of).

8

その地域では、猿の群れによる被害が深刻化している。

In that area, damage caused by troops of monkeys is becoming serious.

Compound particle 'による' (caused by).

1

群れという安息地を捨て、彼は荒野へと旅立った。

Abandoning the sanctuary of the flock, he set out for the wilderness.

Apposition with 'という' (called/known as).

2

個のアイデンティティは、群れの中でしばしば埋没する。

Individual identity is often buried within the group.

Academic verb 埋没する (to be buried/submerged).

3

渡り鳥は、群れをなすことでエネルギーの消費を抑えている。

Migratory birds reduce energy consumption by flying in flocks.

Gerund-like usage of 'なすことで' (by doing).

4

群れを統率する力こそが、真のリーダーシップである。

The power to lead the flock is the essence of true leadership.

Emphasis particle 'こそ'.

5

孤独を恐れるあまり、人々は不本意な群れに身を投じる。

Out of fear of loneliness, people throw themselves into groups they don't truly want to be part of.

Expression '〜あまり' (so much that...).

6

その詩人は、星の群れを天の川の真珠に例えた。

The poet likened the cluster of stars to pearls in the Milky Way.

Verb 例える (to liken/compare).

7

社会学的な観点から、群れの形成メカニズムを分析する。

Analyze the mechanism of group formation from a sociological perspective.

Formal phrase '〜的観点から'.

8

群れとしての意思決定が、個人の判断を凌駕することがある。

Group decision-making sometimes overrides individual judgment.

Advanced verb 凌駕する (to surpass/override).

1

群れに帰属することの根源的な欲求が、文明の基礎を築いた。

The fundamental desire to belong to a group laid the foundation of civilization.

Formal noun 帰属 (belonging/affiliation).

2

彼は群れをなす凡庸な存在であることを拒絶した。

He rejected being a mediocre existence that follows the crowd.

Literary adjective 凡庸 (mediocre/commonplace).

3

生命の連鎖は、無数の群れが織りなす壮大なタペストリーだ。

The chain of life is a grand tapestry woven by countless flocks and herds.

Metaphorical verb 織りなす (to weave together).

4

群れ意識の過剰な高まりは、時として排他的な行動を誘発する。

An excessive rise in herd mentality sometimes triggers exclusionary behavior.

Formal verb 誘発する (to trigger/induce).

5

深海に蠢く魚の群れは、まるで未知の生命体のようだった。

The school of fish wriggling in the deep sea was like an unknown lifeform.

Evocative verb 蠢く (to wriggle/squirm).

6

群れを離脱した瞬間に、彼は真の自由の意味を悟った。

The moment he broke away from the flock, he realized the true meaning of freedom.

Formal noun 離脱 (withdrawal/separation).

7

集団心理学において、群れの動態は極めて重要な研究対象である。

In collective psychology, the dynamics of the group are an extremely important research subject.

Technical term 動態 (dynamics).

8

数多の群れが交錯する都市の風景は、現代社会の縮図と言える。

The cityscape where numerous crowds intersect can be called a microcosm of modern society.

Archaic/Literary word 数多 (many/numerous).

Häufige Kollokationen

群れをなす
群れからはぐれる
群れを作る
群れを率いる
羊の群れ
鳥の群れ
魚の群れ
人の群れ
群れに溶け込む
群れを離れる

Häufige Phrasen

群れ意識

— Herd mentality or group consciousness. It describes the tendency to follow the group.

日本人は群れ意識が強いと言われる。

群れを抜く

— To stand out from the crowd or excel beyond others. Similar to 'outstanding'.

彼の才能は群れを抜いている。

群れ集う

— To gather together in a group. Used for birds or people.

人々が広場に群れ集う。

群れ遊ぶ

— To play together in a group, often used for animals or children.

子犬たちが庭で群れ遊んでいる。

群れをなして押し寄せる

— To surge forward in a large group or flock.

観光客が群れをなして押し寄せる。

群れを追い払う

— To drive away a flock or herd.

農家がカラスの群れを追い払う。

群れを成す魚

— Schooling fish. A biological term for fish that move together.

群れを成す魚は外敵に強い。

群れから取り残される

— To be left behind by the group.

彼は群れから取り残されてしまった。

群れを守る

— To protect the flock or group.

犬が羊の群れを守っている。

群れのリーダー

— The leader of the flock or pack.

群れのリーダーに従う。

Wird oft verwechselt mit

群れ vs 集団 (shūdan)

Learners use this for animals, but it's almost exclusively for organized human groups.

群れ vs 団体 (dantai)

Learners use this for any group, but it specifically means a formal organization or a travel party.

群れ vs グループ (gurūpu)

Learners use this for everything, but 'mure' is much better for animals and large, unorganized crowds.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"群れを抜く"

— To be far superior to others; to stand out.

彼の成績は群れを抜いて素晴らしい。

Neutral
"一匹狼"

— A lone wolf; someone who prefers to act alone rather than in a group.

彼は組織に属さない一匹狼だ。

Informal
"烏合の衆"

— A disorderly crowd; a mob that lacks discipline or leadership.

彼らは単なる烏合の衆に過ぎない。

Literary
"長いものには巻かれろ"

— If you can't beat them, join them. Follow the powerful (often implies following the crowd).

反対しても無駄だ。長いものには巻かれろだよ。

Idiomatic
"出る杭は打たれる"

— The stake that sticks out gets hammered down. (The pressure to stay in the flock).

日本社会では出る杭は打たれることが多い。

Proverb
"付和雷同"

— Following others blindly without having a firm opinion of one's own.

付和雷同してはいけない。

Formal/Literary
"赤信号みんなで渡れば怖くない"

— If everyone crosses on red, it's not scary. (The danger of herd mentality).

赤信号みんなで渡れば怖くないという考えは危険だ。

Slang/Sarcastic
"寄らば大樹の陰"

— If you take shelter, do it under a large tree. (Depend on the strong/group).

寄らば大樹の陰で、大企業に就職した。

Proverb
"三人寄れば文殊の知恵"

— Three people together have the wisdom of Monju. (The benefit of a group).

三人寄れば文殊の知恵というし、相談しよう。

Proverb
"群れをなす"

— To form a flock/group. Often used to describe large gatherings.

カモメが群れをなして飛んでいる。

Neutral

Leicht verwechselbar

群れ vs 群衆 (gunshū)

Both mean 'crowd'.

Gunshū is more formal and specifically refers to a large mass of people in a public square or event. Mure is more general and can be animals.

広場を埋め尽くす群衆。

群れ vs 人だかり (hitodakari)

Both describe a group of people.

Hitodakari is a crowd that forms temporarily to look at something specific (like a street performer). Mure is a group that moves or lives together.

事故の周りに人だかりができた。

群れ vs 列 (retsu)

Both are groups of people.

Retsu is a line or queue. Mure is a cluster or mass.

レジの前に長い列ができている。

群れ vs 群 (gun)

They share the same kanji.

Gun is a suffix or technical term (e.g., 銀河群 - galaxy group). Mure is the standalone noun used in daily life.

この数学の群について説明する。

群れ vs 一団 (ichidan)

Both mean a group.

Ichidan implies a group moving together for a specific purpose, like a group of hikers or a party of travelers.

視察団の一団が到着した。

Satzmuster

A1

[Animal] の 群れ です。

これは鳥の群れです。

A2

[Animal] の 群れ が [Verb-te] います。

魚の群れが泳いでいます。

B1

群れ から はぐれる

一匹の羊が群れからはぐれた。

B1

群れ を なして [Verb]

鳥が群れをなして飛んでいく。

B2

群れ を 作って [Verb]

彼らは群れを作って行動する。

B2

人の 群れ に [Verb-passive]

人の群れに押し流される。

C1

群れ という [Noun]

群れという共同体の中で生きる。

C2

群れ への [Noun]

群れへの帰属意識が薄れる。

Wortfamilie

Substantive

群 (gun) - group/cluster
群衆 (gunshū) - crowd
群島 (guntō) - archipelago
群像 (gunzō) - group of statues/figures

Verben

群れる (mureru) - to flock/crowd
群がる (muragaru) - to swarm/throng

Verwandt

集団 (shūdan)
団体 (dantai)
一団 (ichidan)
仲間 (nakama)
連れ (tsure)
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frequency

Extremely high in nature-related topics; moderately high in daily descriptions of crowds.

Häufige Fehler
  • Using 群れ for a soccer team. → サッカーのチーム

    Teams are organized human groups (集団 or チーム), while 群れ is for unorganized or biological groups.

  • Using 群れ for a pile of books. → 本の山

    Inanimate objects don't form a '群れ'. Use '山' (pile) or '塊' (lump/cluster).

  • Saying '一羽の群れ'. → 一羽の鳥 / 一つの群れ

    A 'mure' by definition is a group. You can't have a 'flock of one'.

  • Using 群れ for a formal company organization. → 組織 / 会社

    A company is a structured 'soshiki' (organization), not a 'mure'.

  • Confusing 群れ with 群 (gun) in math. → 群 (gun)

    In mathematics (Group Theory), the word is just '群' (gun), not '群れ'.

Tipps

Animal Groups

Always use '群れ' for animals. It covers flocks, herds, schools, and swarms, saving you from learning dozens of English equivalents.

The 'NO' Particle

Connect the animal to the group with 'の'. [Animal] + の + 群れ is the most stable and common pattern you will ever need.

People Nuance

Be careful when calling people a '群れ'. It can sound like you're calling them a mindless herd. Use 'グループ' for a more positive vibe.

Forming Groups

Use '群れをなす' (mure o nasu) in your writing to describe animals or people gathering. it sounds much more professional than 'たくさん集まる'.

Lone Wolf

The opposite of being in a '群れ' is '一匹狼' (ippiki ookami). It's a great related term to learn for describing personalities.

News Keywords

When you hear 'mure' on the news, it's often about 'saru' (monkeys) or 'inoshishi' (wild boars) entering a town. It's a key word for safety reports.

Sheep Component

The sheep (羊) at the bottom of the kanji 群 is your visual clue that this word is about herds and flocks.

Harmony

Understand that 'mure' is linked to the Japanese value of harmony. Being part of the group is often seen as a virtue, not just a biological necessity.

Natural Flow

When describing a busy street, say '人の群れがすごい' (The crowd of people is amazing/terrible) to sound like a native speaker.

Literary Stars

Look out for '星の群れ' in song lyrics. It's a common poetic way to describe a beautiful starry sky.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Imagine a 'MU'ltitude of 'RE'indeer. A 'MURE' of reindeer is a herd!

Visuelle Assoziation

Visualize a giant letter 'M' made out of a flock of birds flying in the sky.

Word Web

Animal Group Flock Herd School Crowd Gather Together

Herausforderung

Try to find three different things today that you can describe as a '群れ'—maybe birds, people at a bus stop, or fish in a pond.

Wortherkunft

The word 'mure' comes from the Old Japanese verb 'muru' (to gather/assemble). It is a native Japanese (wago) word.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: To gather together in one place.

Japonic

Kultureller Kontext

Be careful when using 'mure' for people; it can sound like you are calling them animals or a mindless mob if the context is not friendly.

English has dozens of specific collective nouns (murder of crows, pride of lions), whereas Japanese uses '群れ' for almost everything, making it a very efficient word to learn.

The anime 'Murenase! Seton Gakuen' (Seton Academy: Join the Pack!) The classic Japanese nature documentary 'Darwin's Amazing Animals' Literary works exploring the 'herd mentality' in post-war Japan.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Nature Observation

  • 双眼鏡で群れを見る
  • 群れの移動を追う
  • 珍しい鳥の群れ
  • 群れが解散する

Commuting in the City

  • 人の群れに酔う
  • 群れをかき分ける
  • 駅前の人の群れ
  • 群れに流される

School Life

  • 群れを作る女子生徒
  • 群れに属さない
  • 群れの中のいじめ
  • 群れで遊ぶ子供

Scientific Research

  • 群れの生態調査
  • 群れのリーダーシップ
  • 群れ形成の要因
  • 群れ全体の動向

Literature/Poetry

  • 星の群れ
  • 雲の群れ
  • 群れを離れた魂
  • 群れなす影

Gesprächseinstiege

"あそこに鳥の群れが飛んでいますが、何の鳥か分かりますか？"

"都会の人の群れを見ると、時々疲れてしまいませんか？"

"動物の群れを観察するのは好きですか？"

"あなたは群れの中にいるのが好きですか、それとも一人が好きですか？"

"最近、この辺りで猿の群れが出たというニュースを見ましたか？"

Tagebuch-Impulse

今日見た『群れ』について書いてください（鳥、人、車など）。

あなたが『群れ』から離れて一人で行動したいと思うのはどんな時ですか？

日本社会の『群れ意識』についてどう思いますか？あなたの国と比較してください。

もしあなたが動物の群れのリーダーだったら、どんなルールを作りますか？

『群れ』という言葉を使って、短い物語を書いてみましょう。

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

It is better to use 'グループ' or '仲間'. Using '群れ' for friends can sound a bit like you are describing them as a herd of animals, which might be taken as an insult unless you are being intentionally funny or critical.

Japanese doesn't distinguish between singular and plural. '群れ' can mean one flock or multiple flocks. If you need to specify, you can say '一つの群れ' (one flock) or 'たくさんの群れ' (many flocks).

'群れ' is the noun (a flock/group). '群れる' is the verb (to flock/to gather in a group). You use the noun to name the group and the verb to describe the action of gathering.

Yes, absolutely. For insects like bees, ants, or locusts, '群れ' is the standard word. For a swarm of bees, you can say 'ハチの群れ'.

In Japanese, you just say '魚の群れ' (sakana no mure). While there are technical terms in marine biology, 'mure' is what 99% of people use.

If you remember that it's a 'Lord' (君) of 'Sheep' (羊), it's much easier! Just think of a leader leading a flock of sheep.

Generally, no. It is for living things. However, in literature, you might see '星の群れ' (cluster of stars) or '雲の群れ' (mass of clouds) to make them sound more dynamic.

The most natural verb is 'なす' (nasu), as in '群れをなす'. You can also use '作る' (tsukuru) for 'making/forming a group'.

Use '群衆' (gunshū) when you are writing something formal, like a newspaper article or a history book, and you are referring to a large crowd of people in a city.

It is neutral when used for animals. When used for people, it can be slightly negative, implying that the people are just following each other without thinking for themselves.

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