()まり()

たまりば
noun
hangout, gathering place
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(がくせい)()まり()だ。
That cafe is a student hangout.
公園(こうえん)若者(わかもの)()まり()になっている。
The park has become a gathering spot for young people.
駅前(えきまえ)のコンビニが不良(ふりょう)()まり()になっていると近所(きんじょ)から苦情(くじょう)()た。
There were complaints from the neighborhood that the convenience store in front of the station had become a hangout for delinquents.

FORMATION:
()まる (to accumulate, to gather) + () (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(わかもの)()まり(): youth hangout
  • 不良(ふりょう)()まり(): delinquent hangout
  • いつもの()まり(): usual hangout spot