1.
hangout, gathering place, haunt
A place where people regularly gather or hang out. Can be positive (a favorite spot) or negative (a place where troublesome people congregate).
あのカフェは学生の溜まり場だ。
That cafe is a student hangout.
公園が若者の溜まり場になっている。
The park has become a gathering spot for young people.
駅前のコンビニが不良の溜まり場になっていると近所から苦情が出た。
There were complaints from the neighborhood that the convenience store in front of the station had become a hangout for delinquents.
FORMATION:
溜まる (to accumulate, to gather) + 場 (place). Literally a "gathering place."
NUANCE:
Can be neutral or carry a slightly negative connotation depending on context. When referring to delinquents or undesirable groups, it suggests an unwelcome gathering spot.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 若者の溜まり場: youth hangout
- 不良の溜まり場: delinquent hangout
- いつもの溜まり場: usual hangout spot