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B1 verb #5,000 most common 9 min read

募る

Q: Is 募る a transitive or intransitive verb?

It is both! It depends on the particle. 'Feeling が 募る' is intransitive. 'Something を 募る' is transitive. This is a key point for B1 learners.

tsunoru Top 5,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 募る in 30 Seconds

Explanation 募る in your Level:

At the A1 level, you might not use the word '募る' (tsunoru) very often in your own speaking, but it is good to recognize it. Think of it as a special way to say 'collecting' or 'getting stronger.' Imagine you are in a classroom and the teacher says, 'Let's collect ideas!' In Japanese, they might use a form of this word. Or, if you are reading a very simple story and a character is feeling more and more sad, this word might appear. For now, just remember that it has two jobs: 1. To collect things like money or people for a group. 2. For a feeling to get bigger and bigger inside you. It is a 'U-verb' which means its dictionary form ends in 'u.' You can see it in signs that say '募集' (boshū), which uses the same kanji and means 'recruiting.' This word is a bit more advanced than 'collect' (atsumeru), so don't worry if you find it a bit tricky. Just try to remember it as the 'growing and gathering' word. If you see it with a feeling word like 'anxiety' (fuan) or 'sadness' (kanashimi), it means that feeling is getting stronger. If you see it with 'money' (okane) or 'people' (hito), it means someone is asking for them. Keep it simple and look for those patterns!

As an A2 learner, you are starting to see more formal Japanese. '募る' (tsunoru) is a word you will see in advertisements or on school bulletin boards. For example, if a club wants new members, they might use this word. It's a more formal way of saying 'looking for' or 'inviting.' You should also know that it's used for feelings. If you have been away from home for a long time, your 'longing' (koishisa) might 'tsunoru' (grow stronger). The main thing to practice at this level is the difference between 'ga' and 'o.' Remember: 'Feeling + ga + tsunoru' and 'People/Things + o + tsunoru.' You might see the word 'boshū' (recruitment) which uses the same first character. This will help you remember the meaning. Try to notice this word in song lyrics or simple news stories. It often appears when talking about charities asking for donations (kifu). It’s a step up from basic verbs like 'atsumeru' (to collect) because it implies a specific purpose or a growing intensity. When you use it, you sound a little more grown-up and precise in your Japanese. Don't be afraid to try it out when talking about your feelings getting stronger!

At the B1 level, you should be able to use '募る' (tsunoru) correctly in both its intransitive (feelings intensifying) and transitive (recruiting) forms. This word is essential for expressing complex emotions that aren't just 'there' but are actively increasing. For instance, when describing a stressful situation, saying '不安が募る' (fuan ga tsunoru) sounds much more natural and sophisticated than just saying 'more anxious.' It captures the 'snowball effect' of the emotion. You should also be comfortable seeing this word in business or formal contexts. If you are writing an email to ask for volunteers for a project, using 'ボランティアを募る' (borantia o tsunoru) is perfectly appropriate. It shows you understand the formal register of Japanese. Be careful not to confuse it with 'fueru' (to increase) or 'atsumeru' (to collect). 'Tsunoru' has a nuance of building up pressure or making an active call to the public. You will also see it in descriptions of weather, like a storm getting worse. At this level, you should start noticing how the word is used in literature to set a mood. It creates a sense of tension. Practice using it in your journals or during speaking practice when you want to describe a feeling that is becoming hard to ignore. It is a versatile tool for adding depth to your Japanese.

By the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of '募る' (tsunoru) and be able to distinguish it from similar verbs like 'takamaru' (to rise/heighten) or 'hageshiku naru' (to become intense). You should recognize that 'tsunoru' often carries a slightly heavy or serious tone. While 'takamaru' is frequently used for positive things like 'kitai' (expectations) or 'ishiki' (awareness), 'tsunoru' is more often used for 'fuan' (anxiety), 'fushinkan' (distrust), or 'koishisa' (longing). It suggests an intensity that weighs on the heart. In professional settings, you should be able to use 'tsunoru' when soliciting high-level contributions like 'iken' (opinions) or 'shishi' (volunteers with a strong purpose). You should also be aware of its use in classical or formal literature to describe natural phenomena, where it implies a gathering of strength in the elements. At this level, you should also be comfortable with the noun form 'boshū' (recruitment) and how it relates to the verb. When you hear 'tsunoru' in a news report or a speech, you should immediately understand whether it refers to a growing social sentiment or an active recruitment drive based on the context and particles used. It is a word that adds significant texture to your descriptive abilities, allowing you to convey not just that something is happening, but how it is building up over time.

At the C1 level, your use of '募る' (tsunoru) should be fluid and contextually perfect. You should understand the subtle literary nuances the word brings to a text. In creative writing or advanced discourse, 'tsunoru' can be used to create a sense of impending climax or a deepening psychological state. For example, '沈黙が募る' (the silence grew heavier/more intense) is a sophisticated way to describe a tense atmosphere. You should also be able to recognize the word in historical or academic texts where it might describe the gathering of forces or the intensification of a conflict. In a business context, you might use it when discussing strategic recruitment or the solicitation of capital in a way that sounds authoritative and professional. You should also be sensitive to the rhythm of the sentence; 'tsunoru' often concludes a descriptive clause to provide a sense of escalation. Furthermore, you should be able to explain the difference between 'tsunoru' and its synonyms to lower-level learners, noting the psychological versus physical aspects of intensity. Your understanding should extend to how the word can be used metaphorically—for instance, how 'doubt' can 'tsunoru' until it reaches a breaking point. At this level, 'tsunoru' is not just a vocabulary item but a stylistic choice that helps you master the 'mood' of your Japanese communication.

For a C2 learner, '募る' (tsunoru) is a word that you can manipulate with precision to achieve specific rhetorical effects. You understand that its power lies in its ability to describe both the internal landscape of the human heart and the external mechanics of social organization. You might use it in a philosophical discussion to describe the way human desires or fears 'tsunoru' over a lifetime. In a high-level professional environment, you might use it to describe the process of 'soliciting' high-stakes investment or 'recruiting' elite talent, where the word carries a weight of prestige and serious intent. You are also likely to encounter 'tsunoru' in the most challenging Japanese literature, from Meiji-era novels to contemporary prize-winning fiction, where it is used to evoke a specific kind of atmospheric pressure. You should be able to appreciate the phonetics of the word—the 'tsu' and 'no' sounds creating a sense of something rolling forward and building up. Your mastery includes knowing when *not* to use it, avoiding it in favor of even more obscure or specific terms when necessary, but also using it as a reliable 'workhorse' for describing any process of cumulative intensification. At C2, 'tsunoru' is a thread in the rich tapestry of your Japanese, used with an innate sense of its historical, social, and emotional resonances.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

募る in 30 Seconds

募る means for a feeling to grow stronger or to recruit/solicit people and things.
Use 'ga' for feelings (anxiety, longing) and 'o' for recruiting (participants, donations).
It is a formal and often literary word, carrying more weight than simple 'increase' or 'collect'.
Common in news (recruitment), weather (storms), and romance (deepening feelings).

The Japanese verb 募る (tsunoru) is a fascinating and multifaceted word that bridges the gap between internal emotional states and external administrative actions. At its core, the word conveys the idea of something growing in volume, intensity, or numbers. For English speakers, it is most helpful to think of 募る as having two distinct 'personalities' depending on whether it is used as an intransitive verb (describing a feeling that intensifies) or a transitive verb (describing the act of inviting or recruiting others). Understanding this duality is key to mastering the word at a B1 level and beyond.

Emotional Intensification: When used intransitively, 募る describes a feeling, such as anxiety, longing, or love, that becomes increasingly powerful and difficult to contain. It suggests a natural, often unstoppable progression of emotion. For example, '不安が募る' (fuan ga tsunoru) means that one's anxiety is snowballing or growing more severe over time.

試験が近づくにつれて、不安が募る一方だ。(As the exam approaches, my anxiety only continues to grow stronger.)

Solicitation and Recruitment: When used transitively, the word shifts to the realm of public action. It means to call for, invite, or recruit people or things like donations and ideas. In this context, it is highly formal and often seen in advertisements, club sign-up sheets, or corporate recruitment. '参加者を募る' (sankasha o tsunoru) means to invite or recruit participants.

In daily life, you will encounter the recruitment meaning in signs around town or online, while the emotional meaning is more common in literature, lyrics, and deep conversations. The word carries a certain weight; it is not just 'increasing' like 増える (fueru), but rather 'becoming more intense' or 'actively seeking.' This nuance is what makes it a CEFR B1 level word—it requires an understanding of both psychological states and formal social structures. Whether it is a storm getting worse or a company seeking new talent, 募る captures the essence of a gathering force.

新しいプロジェクトのメンバーを募っています。(We are currently recruiting members for a new project.)

Environmental Contexts: Beyond emotions and people, 募る can describe natural phenomena. A storm (嵐) or the cold (寒さ) can 'tsunoru,' meaning they are becoming increasingly severe. This usage is somewhat formal and descriptive, often found in weather reports or novels describing a harsh winter.

To use 募る effectively, you must first decide which of its two main functions you need. If you are describing a feeling that is welling up inside you, use the particle 'が' (ga). If you are asking for something from others, use the particle 'を' (o). This grammatical distinction is the most important rule for this verb. Let's look at the emotional intensification first. Common subjects include 不安 (anxiety), 怒り (anger), 恋心 (romantic feelings), and 郷愁 (homesickness). These are all abstract concepts that can 'grow' within a person.

故郷を離れて、家族への想いがますます募る。(Leaving my hometown, my feelings for my family grow even stronger.)

The 'Growing' Pattern (Intransitive): [Feeling/Phenomenon] + が + 募る. This implies a steady increase in intensity. It is often paired with adverbs like ますます (more and more) or 一層 (even more) to emphasize the escalation.

Now, let's look at the recruitment or solicitation function. This is a transitive use where a person or organization is the agent doing the 'gathering.' Common objects include 寄付 (donations), 意見 (opinions), 参加者 (participants), and 募集 (applications/recruitment). This usage is very common in business and community settings. It sounds professional and direct.

震災の被災者のために、義援金を募ることにした。(We decided to solicit donations for the victims of the earthquake.)

The 'Soliciting' Pattern (Transitive): [Organization/Person] + が + [Object] + を + 募る. This indicates an active call for contributions or participation. It is synonymous with '募集する' (boshū suru) but feels slightly more traditional or literary.

Finally, consider the tense. Using the dictionary form '募る' often describes a general state or a future action. Using the continuous form '募っている' (tsunotte iru) describes a process that is currently happening. For emotions, '募る一方だ' (tsunoru ippō da) is a common phrase meaning it 'just keeps on growing' and shows no sign of stopping.

不信感が募って、ついに彼は会社を辞めた。(Distrust grew to the point that he finally quit the company.)

You will encounter 募る in a variety of real-world scenarios, ranging from the highly emotional to the strictly professional. In the workplace, keep an eye out for internal memos or emails. If a manager says 'アイデアを募ります' (Idea o tsunorimasu), they are opening the floor for suggestions. This is a common way to invite collaboration without sounding too demanding. It invites people to contribute if they have something to offer.

社内イベントのボランティアを募っています。(We are calling for volunteers for the company event.)

News and Media: In news broadcasts, 募る is frequently used in reports about disaster relief. You might hear '寄付金を募る' when a charity starts a new fundraising campaign. Additionally, in weather forecasts during typhoon season or winter blizzards, the reporter might say '風雨が募る' (fūu ga tsunoru) to warn that the wind and rain are intensifying and becoming more dangerous.

In the world of entertainment, particularly in J-Pop lyrics and anime, 募る is a staple for expressing deep, unrequited love or the pain of separation. Phrases like '想いが募る' (omoi ga tsunoru) are incredibly common. It conveys a sense of emotional buildup that feels like it might burst. If you are watching a romance drama, listen for the moment a character admits their feelings have been growing stronger over time—they will almost certainly use this verb.

会えない時間が長いほど、恋しさが募る。(The longer the time we can't meet, the more my longing for you grows.)

Finally, in academic or formal writing, 募る is used to describe trends. For instance, a researcher might write about how '国民の不満が募っている' (public dissatisfaction is growing). This sounds more objective and serious than saying people are just 'getting angry.' It implies a systemic or widespread increase in a particular sentiment, making it an essential word for reading Japanese newspapers or reports on social issues.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is confusing 募る (tsunoru) with 集める (atsumeru) or 増える (fueru). While they all deal with things 'increasing' or 'gathering,' their usage is quite specific. 集める (atsumeru) is a general verb for 'to collect' or 'to gather.' You can 'atsumeru' stamps, garbage, or people. However, 募る (tsunoru) implies an *invitation* or a *call* for things to come to you. You don't 'tsunoru' stamps; you 'tsunoru' participants or donations by asking people to give them.

Confusion with 'Fueru' (To Increase): 増える (fueru) is used for quantities that increase, like population or money in a bank account. 募る (tsunoru) is used for the *intensity* of a feeling or a storm. You wouldn't say your money 'tsunoru,' but you would say your anxiety 'tsunoru.' If you use 'fueru' for anxiety, it sounds like you have *more types* of anxiety, whereas 'tsunoru' means the *same* anxiety is getting stronger.

❌ お金が募る。
✅ お金が増える。(Money increases.)

Another mistake involves the particle usage. As mentioned before, mixing up 'ga' and 'o' completely changes the meaning. If you say '参加者が募る' (sankasha ga tsunoru), it sounds like the participants themselves are becoming more intense (which makes little sense), rather than you recruiting them. Always remember: Feelings use 'ga,' and things you are recruiting use 'o.'

Lastly, don't use 募る for positive physical growth. You can't use it to say a plant is growing or a child is getting taller. For physical growth, use 成長する (seichō suru) or 大きくなる (ōkiku naru). 募る is strictly for abstract things (feelings, weather) or the act of gathering resources/people. Overusing 募る in place of simpler verbs like 呼ぶ (yobu - to call) or 誘う (sasou - to invite) can also make you sound overly formal in casual situations. Save 募る for when you want to sound serious or poetic.

Because 募る has two main meanings, its synonyms and alternatives are also split into two groups. For the 'intensifying' meaning, you might consider verbs like 激しくなる (hageshiku naru) or 強まる (tsuyomaru). These are more direct and less poetic. For the 'recruiting' meaning, 募集する (boshū suru) is the most common and practical alternative. Let's compare them more closely.

募る vs. 募集する (Boshū suru): 募集する is the standard, everyday word for 'recruiting' or 'advertising for.' You see it on 'Help Wanted' signs (募集中). 募る is more formal and is often used when the act of gathering is part of a larger, perhaps more noble or serious, effort, such as gathering donations for a cause or soliciting opinions for a new law.

アルバイトを募集しています。(We are recruiting part-time workers - Standard.)
寄付を募っています。(We are soliciting donations - More formal/serious.)

募る vs. 激しくなる (Hageshiku naru): 激しくなる means 'to become violent' or 'to become intense.' It is used for rain, wind, or fighting. While 募る can also be used for weather, it emphasizes the *process* of gathering strength, whereas 激しくなる focuses on the *state* of being intense. If the wind is 'tsunoru,' it feels like it's building up to something. If it's 'hageshiku naru,' it's just getting stronger.

In summary, choose 募る when you want to emphasize the growing pressure of an emotion or the formal solicitation of help. Use 募集する for standard recruitment, 激しくなる for physical intensity, and 高まる for rising levels of excitement or tension. By selecting the right synonym, you can convey much more precise meaning in your Japanese conversations and writing.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The kanji 募 is composed of 莫 (originally meaning 'sunset' or 'not') and 力 (power). In this context, the top part serves as a phonetic component, and the 'power' radical emphasizes the effort involved in recruitment.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tsu.no.ɾu/

US /tsu.noʊ.ɾu/

Japanese is a pitch-accent language. In 'tsunoru', the pitch usually starts low and rises on the 'no' before falling on 'ru' (Low-High-Low).

Rhymes With

祈る (inoru - to pray) 潜る (muguru - to dive) 勝る (masaru - to excel) 誇る (hokoru - to be proud) 凝る (koru - to be absorbed in) 語る (kataru - to tell) 作る (tsukuru - to make) 送る (okuru - to send)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'tsu' as 'su'.
Over-emphasizing the 'ru' like an English 'r'.
Treating it as a two-syllable word 'tsu-noru' instead of 'tsu-no-ru'.
Confusing the pitch accent with 'tsuno' (horn).
Not aspirating the 'ts' sound correctly.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The kanji is common in recruitment signs but the emotional usage requires context.

Writing 4/5

Writing the kanji 募 correctly takes practice due to the many strokes.

Speaking 3/5

Using the correct particle (ga vs o) is the main challenge for speakers.

Listening 3/5

Easily recognizable once you know the core meanings of gathering and intensifying.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

集める (atsumeru) 増える (fueru) 不安 (fuan) 寄付 (kifu) 募集 (boshū)

Learn Next

募金 (bokin) 応募 (ōbo) 高まる (takamaru) 激化 (gekika) 呼びかける (yobikakeru)

Advanced

惹起する (jakki suru) 醸成する (jōsei suru) 糾合する (kyūgō suru)

Grammar to Know

Transitive vs. Intransitive Verbs

募る can be both. が + 募る (Intransitive), を + 募る (Transitive).

~一方だ (ippō da)

不安が募る一方だ。 (Anxiety only keeps growing.)

~につれて (ni tsurete)

試験が近づくにつれて、不安が募る。 (As the exam approaches, anxiety grows.)

~てくる (te kuru)

寒さが募ってきた。 (The cold has begun to intensify.)

~させる (Causative)

不安を募らせる。 (To cause anxiety to grow.)

Examples by Level

お金を募ります。

I will collect money (for a cause).

Uses the 'o' particle for the thing being collected.

不安が募る。

Anxiety grows.

Uses the 'ga' particle for the feeling.

メンバーを募る。

Recruit members.

Standard transitive use.

寒さが募る。

The cold gets worse.

Used for weather phenomena.

意見を募る。

Collect opinions.

Formal way to ask for input.

寂しさが募る。

Loneliness grows.

Common emotional use.

寄付を募る。

Solicit donations.

Very common in formal contexts.

嵐が募る。

The storm intensifies.

Describing a gathering force.

新しい参加者を募っています。

We are currently recruiting new participants.

Continuous form 'tsunotte iru' for an ongoing process.

試験の前は不安が募るものです。

It is natural for anxiety to grow before an exam.

The '~mono desu' ending shows a general truth.

ボランティアを募るチラシを作った。

I made a flyer to recruit volunteers.

Using the verb to modify a noun (chirashi).

夜になると、寂しさが募ります。

When night comes, my loneliness grows stronger.

Temporal clause 'yoru ni naru to'.

みんなからアイデアを募りましょう。

Let's gather ideas from everyone.

Volitional form 'tsunorimashō'.

風雨がますます募ってきた。

The wind and rain have become increasingly severe.

The auxiliary verb '~te kita' shows a change started in the past.

彼は寄付を募る活動をしている。

He is doing activities to solicit donations.

Describes a habitual action.

会いたいという想いが募る。

The feeling of wanting to see you grows stronger.

The 'to iu' phrase defines the feeling.

政府は国民の意見を広く募ることにした。

The government decided to widely solicit the opinions of the citizens.

Formal 'koto ni shita' for a decision.

将来への不安が募り、眠れない夜が続いた。

My anxiety about the future grew, and I had a series of sleepless nights.

The 'te-form' shows a cause-effect relationship.

そのイベントでは、全国から作品を募っている。

The event is inviting submissions from all over the country.

Indicates a wide-scale recruitment.

彼女への不信感が募り、ついに別れを決意した。

His distrust of her grew, and he finally decided to break up.

Abstract noun 'fushinkan' as the subject.

被災地のために義援金を募るキャンペーンが始まった。

A campaign to solicit relief funds for the disaster area has begun.

Specific term 'gienkin' for relief money.

冬の寒さが募る中、人々は家路を急いだ。

As the winter cold intensified, people hurried home.

The 'naka' structure sets the background setting.

このサイトでは、新しいプロジェクトの出資者を募っている。

This site is soliciting investors for a new project.

Business context for soliciting capital.

遠く離れた家族を想う気持ちが募る一方だ。

My feelings of thinking about my far-away family only continue to grow.

'~ippō da' emphasizes a continuous trend.

不況の影響で、将来に対する不透明感が募っている。

Due to the recession, a sense of uncertainty about the future is growing.

Complex abstract subject 'futōmeikan' (uncertainty).

大学は、新しい奨学金制度の対象者を募る予定だ。

The university plans to recruit candidates for a new scholarship system.

Administrative use for recruitment.

長引く自粛生活の中で、人々のストレスが募っている。

During the prolonged period of self-restraint, people's stress is growing.

Describes a social phenomenon.

その作家は、読者から物語の結末を募るという試みを行った。

The author attempted to solicit endings for the story from the readers.

Creative or experimental context.

怒りが募って、彼は思わず声を荒らげた。

His anger grew to the point that he unintentionally raised his voice.

Shows an emotional peak leading to action.

市は、歴史的な建物の保存のための寄付を募っている。

The city is soliciting donations for the preservation of historical buildings.

Public sector solicitation.

沈黙が続くと、気まずさがますます募っていった。

As the silence continued, the awkwardness grew more and more.

Describes atmospheric tension.

新薬の開発に向けて、治験のボランティアを募っている。

We are recruiting volunteers for clinical trials for the development of a new drug.

Medical/Scientific context.

政権に対する批判が募り、大規模なデモに発展した。

Criticism of the administration grew and escalated into a large-scale protest.

Political context showing escalation.

彼女の心の中で、去っていった恋人への恨みが募っていった。

In her heart, resentment toward the lover who had left her continued to grow.

Deep psychological description.

財団は、若手研究者の育成を目的とした助成金の対象を募る。

The foundation will solicit applications for grants aimed at fostering young researchers.

High-level administrative language.

外界の騒がしさとは対照的に、部屋の中では孤独感が募るばかりだった。

In contrast to the noise of the outside world, the sense of loneliness in the room only grew.

Literary contrast structure.

企業は、早期退職を希望する社員を募ることを発表した。

The company announced that it would recruit employees who wish to take early retirement.

Euphemistic business term for downsizing.

降り続く雨が川を増水させ、住民の不安を募らせている。

The continuous rain is causing the river to rise, intensifying the residents' anxiety.

Causative form 'tsunorasete iru'.

その詩は、故郷への募る想いを切々と歌い上げている。

The poem poignantly sings of the growing feelings for one's hometown.

Using the verb as an attributive adjective.

伝統文化の継承者を募る取り組みが、各地で本格化している。

Efforts to recruit successors to traditional culture are gaining momentum in various regions.

Societal context regarding tradition.

積年の不満が募りに募って、ついに暴動が勃発した。

Years of accumulated dissatisfaction grew and grew until a riot finally broke out.

The 'ni' structure 'tsunori ni tsunotte' emphasizes extreme buildup.

晩秋の気配が濃くなり、冬への備えを促すかのように冷気が募る。

The signs of late autumn deepen, and the chill intensifies as if to urge preparations for winter.

Highly descriptive, literary Japanese.

その政治家は、党内から広く賛同者を募り、新党結成に動いた。

The politician solicited supporters widely from within the party and moved to form a new party.

Context of political maneuvering.

愛憎半ばする複雑な感情が募り、彼女は自己のアイデンティティを見失いかけた。

A complex mix of love and hate grew stronger, and she almost lost sight of her own identity.

Nuanced psychological analysis.

美術館は、修復作業に必要な巨額の資金を世界中から募っている。

The museum is soliciting the vast amount of funds needed for restoration work from all over the world.

High-stakes international solicitation.

静寂の中に、どこか不気味な気配が募っていくのを感じた。

In the silence, I felt a somewhat eerie presence intensifying.

Creating atmosphere in narrative prose.

社会の格差が広がるにつれ、特権階級に対する反感が募るのは避けられない。

As the social divide widens, it is inevitable that resentment toward the privileged class will grow.

Sociological observation.

彼は、自身の理想を共有する同志を募り、革命の火蓋を切った。

He recruited comrades who shared his ideals and initiated the revolution.

Historical/Epic register.

Common Collocations

不安が募る

寄付を募る

参加者を募る

想いが募る

意見を募る

寒さが募る

不信感が募る

ボランティアを募る

アイデアを募る

焦りが募る

Common Phrases

募る想い

— Feelings that have grown strong over time. Often used in romantic contexts.

募る想いを手紙に託した。

不安が募る一方だ

— Anxiety is only getting worse and worse. Used to show a lack of improvement.

不景気で、将来への不安が募る一方だ。

公募する

— To solicit through public advertisement. A common compound word.

新キャラクターのデザインを公募する。

広く募る

— To solicit widely from a large group of people.

一般から広く意見を募る。

寄付金を募る

— To solicit donation money. Very common in charity work.

赤い羽根共同募金で寄付金を募る。

参加を募る

— To invite or call for participation.

マラソン大会への参加を募る。

怒りが募る

— Anger is building up. Suggests a gradual increase in rage.

彼の態度に、次第に怒りが募った。

寂しさが募る

— Loneliness is intensifying. Often used in poetry or lyrics.

一人暮らしを始めて、寂しさが募る。

不満が募る

— Dissatisfaction is growing. Often used in political or workplace contexts.

不公平な評価に不満が募る。

会員を募る

— To recruit members for an organization or group.

ファンクラブの会員を募る。

Often Confused With

募る vs 集める (atsumeru)

Atsumeru is physical gathering; Tsunoru is inviting participation or emotional buildup.

募る vs 増える (fueru)

Fueru is about quantity/number increasing; Tsunoru is about intensity/severity increasing.

募る vs 募集する (boshū suru)

Boshū suru is the standard verb for recruitment; Tsunoru is more formal or literary.

Idioms & Expressions

"募りに募る"

— To grow and grow to an extreme degree. Emphasizes the intensity.

募りに募った不満が爆発した。

Emphatic

"想い募らせる"

— To allow one's feelings to grow stronger (often intentionally or helplessly).

遠くにいる恋人に想い募らせる。

Literary

"不信の念が募る"

— A sense of distrust is building up significantly.

嘘が重なり、不信の念が募った。

Formal

"郷愁が募る"

— To feel an intensifying sense of homesickness.

異国の地で、郷愁が募る。

Literary

"義援金を募る"

— To solicit relief funds specifically for disaster victims.

被災者のために義援金を募る。

Formal

"寒さ募る折"

— A formal greeting used in letters meaning 'In this season of increasing cold.'

寒さ募る折、いかがお過ごしでしょうか。

Very Formal/Epistolary

"不満が募り募って"

— Dissatisfaction having built up over a long period.

不満が募り募って、退職を決めた。

Neutral/Emphatic

"疑念が募る"

— Doubts are intensifying.

彼の行動に疑念が募る。

Formal

"期待を募らせる"

— To build up one's expectations (or cause others to build theirs).

新監督の就任に、ファンは期待を募らせた。

Neutral

"恋しさが募る"

— Longing for someone is getting stronger.

別れてから、ますます恋しさが募る。

Romantic

Easily Confused

募る vs 募金 (bokin)

Both share the same kanji and relate to gathering money.

Bokin is the noun for 'fundraising' or 'donations.' Tsunoru is the verb for the act of soliciting those donations.

募金（名詞）を募る（動詞）。

募る vs 強まる (tsuyomaru)

Both mean 'to get stronger.'

Tsuyomaru is more general and can apply to physical strength or wind speed. Tsunoru specifically implies a gathering, cumulative force, often emotional.

風が強まる vs 不安が募る。

募る vs 高まる (takamaru)

Both mean 'to increase.'

Takamaru is often used for positive things like awareness or expectations. Tsunoru is more often used for negative or heavy things like anxiety or cold.

期待が高まる vs 焦りが募る。

募る vs 誘う (sasou)

Both can mean 'to invite.'

Sasou is for inviting a specific person to an event (personal). Tsunoru is for a general call for participants (public/formal).

友達を誘う vs 参加者を募る。

募る vs 呼びかける (yobikakeru)

Both involve asking people for something.

Yobikakeru is the act of calling out or appealing. Tsunoru is the systematic process of gathering those responses.

協力を呼びかける vs 寄付を募る。

Sentence Patterns

[Emotion] + が + 募る

寂しさが募る。

[Object] + を + 募る

寄付を募る。

[Feeling] + が + 募る一方だ

焦りが募る一方だ。

[Event] + に向けて + [People] + を + 募る

大会に向けてボランティアを募る。

[Noun] + への + 想い + が + 募る

故郷への想いが募る。

[Context] + の中、 + [Feeling] + が + 募る

不況の中、将来への不安が募る。

[Noun] + を + 募らせる

不信感を募らせる。

募りに募った + [Noun]

募りに募った不満。

Word Family

Nouns

募集 (boshū - recruitment)

公募 (kōbo - public appeal)

募金 (bokin - fundraising)

Verbs

募集する (boshū suru - to recruit)

募る (tsunoru - to grow stronger/solicit)

集める (atsumeru - to collect)

増える (fueru - to increase)

高まる (takamaru - to rise)

激化する (gekika suru - to intensify)

勧誘する (kanyū suru - to invite/solicit)

How to Use It

frequency

High in written Japanese, news, and lyrics. Moderate in daily casual speech.

Common Mistakes

Using 'atsumeru' for growing anxiety. → 不安が募る。
Atsumeru is for physical objects. Tsunoru is for the intensity of abstract feelings.
Using 'tsunoru' for getting taller. → 背が伸びる。
Tsunoru is not used for physical growth or height. It's for intensity or recruitment.
Using 'o' particle for an intensifying feeling. → 不安が募る。
Feelings are the subject (ga). If you use 'o', it implies you are recruiting anxiety from other people!
Using 'tsunoru' for collecting stamps. → 切手を集める。
Tsunoru implies a call or invitation to the public. You don't 'invite' stamps to be collected.
Confusing 'tsunoru' with 'fueru' for population. → 人口が増える。
Fueru is for numerical increases. Tsunoru is for intensity or solicitation.

Tips

Particle Power

Always check your particle. 'Ga' makes it a feeling that grows on its own. 'O' makes it a recruitment drive you are leading. This is the #1 rule for 募る.

Kanji Clue

The kanji 募 is also found in 募金 (bokin - fundraising). If you see it, think 'gathering resources or people' or 'gathering strength'.

Weight of the Word

募る sounds heavier than 増える. Use it when an emotion feels like a burden or when a recruitment effort is official and serious.

Business Etiquette

In a workplace, '意見を募る' is a polite way to ask for feedback. It sounds less like a command and more like an open invitation.

Emotional Flow

When describing your feelings, use '募る一方だ' (tsunoru ippō da) to emphasize that your anxiety or longing just won't stop growing.

Setting the Scene

In stories, use '寒さが募る' or '暗闇が募る' to create a sense of mounting tension or atmosphere. It's very effective for 'show, don't tell'.

Global Gathering

For international events, '世界中から参加者を募る' (recruiting participants from around the world) is a standard and professional phrase.

The Snowball Effect

Think of 募る as the 'Snowball Verb.' A snowball gathers more snow as it rolls, just like 募る gathers intensity or people.

Perfect Pairs

Learn 募る with '不安' (fuan) and '寄付' (kifu). These are the two most common words it appears with in exams and daily life.

News Flash

When you hear '募る' on the news, it's almost always about 'bokin' (donations) or 'boshū' (recruiting). Listen for the object of the verb.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Tsunami' (which starts with 'tsu'). A tsunami is a wave that 'gathers strength' (tsunoru) as it moves toward the shore. Just like a feeling or a storm, it intensifies.

Visual Association

Visualize a snowball rolling down a hill, getting bigger and bigger (emotional intensification), or a person with a megaphone calling for volunteers (recruitment).

Word Web

Recruit Solicit Intensify Grow Anxiety Donations Storm Longing

Challenge

Try to write one sentence about a feeling getting stronger and one sentence about asking for something using 募る. Remember the 'ga' and 'o' particles!

Word Origin

The word 募る comes from the Old Japanese verb 'tsunoru'. Historically, it was used to describe the act of putting forth effort to bring things together or the natural gathering of intensity.

Original meaning: To increase in power or to bring things together through effort.

Japonic

Cultural Context

When using 募る for recruitment, ensure the tone is appropriate; it is a formal word. For emotions, it is quite personal and deep.

In English, we usually use separate words for 'recruiting' and 'intensifying.' We 'recruit' volunteers but 'feeling' grows. Japanese combines these into one concept of 'gathering force.'

The phrase '想いが募る' is a staple in J-Pop lyrics, appearing in thousands of love songs. Recruitment signs for the Self-Defense Forces often use the kanji 募. Classic novels like 'Kokoro' by Natsume Soseki use 募る to describe the protagonist's growing guilt.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Job Hunting / HR

経験者を募る
新卒を募る
社内公募
急募

Charity / Volunteering

募金活動
ボランティアを募る
支援金を募る
物資を募る

Weather Reports

嵐が募る
寒さが募る
風雨が募る
雪が募る

Literature / Romance

想いが募る
恋しさが募る
寂しさが募る
恨みが募る

Politics / Society

不満が募る
不信感が募る
意見を募る
賛同者を募る

Conversation Starters

"最近、何か不安が募っていることはありますか？ (Is there anything you've been feeling increasingly anxious about lately?)"

"新しいサークルのメンバーを募るなら、どんなポスターがいいと思う？ (If we were to recruit new club members, what kind of poster do you think would be good?)"

"冬になると、故郷への想いが募りますか？ (When winter comes, do your feelings for your hometown grow stronger?)"

"会社でアイデアを募る時、どうすればみんな意見を出してくれるかな？ (When soliciting ideas at work, how can we get everyone to share their opinions?)"

"寄付を募る活動に参加したことがありますか？ (Have you ever participated in an activity to solicit donations?)"

Journal Prompts

最近、自分の心の中で募っている感情について書いてみてください。 (Write about an emotion that has been growing stronger in your heart lately.)

もしあなたが新しいプロジェクトを始めるなら、どのような人を募りたいですか？ (If you were to start a new project, what kind of people would you want to recruit?)

「不安が募る」瞬間と、それをどうやって解消するかについて考えてみましょう。 (Think about moments when 'anxiety grows' and how you resolve it.)

日本の「募金」の文化について、自分の国と比較してどう思いますか？ (What do you think about the Japanese culture of 'fundraising' compared to your own country?)

「寒さが募る」季節に、あなたが一番食べたくなる料理は何ですか？ (In the season when the 'cold intensifies,' what dish do you want to eat the most?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

While it is possible (e.g., 想いが募る for love), it is much more common for heavy or negative feelings like anxiety, loneliness, or distrust. For positive excitement, '高まる' is usually a better choice.

It is both! It depends on the particle. 'Feeling が募る' is intransitive. 'Something を募る' is transitive. This is a key point for B1 learners.

募集 (boshū) is a noun meaning 'recruitment.' 募る (tsunoru) is the verb. In casual Japanese, people often use '募集する' as the verb form, which is more common than '募る' in everyday contexts.

Yes, but it sounds a bit formal or literary. You might hear it in a weather report: '寒さが募る' (The cold is intensifying) or '嵐が募る' (The storm is building up).

Absolutely. It is used when asking for ideas (意見を募る), volunteers (ボランティアを募る), or even early retirement applications (希望退職者を募る).

It is a Godan (U-verb). Dictionary: 募る, Masu: 募ります, Te-form: 募って, Nai-form: 募らない, Past: 募った.

No. 募る is for abstract intensity or recruitment. For height, use '伸びる' (nobiru) or '高くなる' (takaku naru).

Yes, especially in romance or drama anime when characters talk about their growing feelings of love or loneliness.

It is a compound noun meaning 'public appeal' or 'public recruitment.' You might see '公募展' for an art exhibition where anyone can submit work.

No. For physical items like garbage or stamps, use '集める' (atsumeru). 募る involves a 'call' or 'invitation' to others.