At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn how to connect words. You probably know 'nitsuite' (about). '〜をめぐって' is much more advanced, but you can think of it like this: imagine a group of people standing in a circle. In the middle of the circle is an object, like a toy or a piece of cake. Everyone in the circle is talking about that object or trying to get it. That 'circling' feeling is what 'wo megutte' means. It is used for 'about' when many people are involved and maybe they are arguing a little bit. You won't need to use this in basic daily life, but you might see it in simple news stories or headlines about things like 'who will be the next leader.' Just remember: Noun + wo megutte + action. The action is usually something like 'talking' or 'fighting.' It's a very 'busy' kind of 'about'!
As an A2 learner, you are moving beyond simple sentences. You know that 'nitsuite' is the basic way to say 'about.' However, '〜をめぐって' is a special kind of 'about' used in more formal situations. It comes from the verb 'meguru,' which means to go around. When you use this grammar, you are saying that an issue is at the center of a lot of attention or conflict. For example, if a family is talking about who gets the last piece of pizza, that's a small version of 'wo megutte.' In real Japanese, it's used for bigger things like 'discussions over a new park' or 'arguments over a rule.' It usually follows a noun and is followed by a verb that involves multiple people, like 'hanashiau' (talk together) or 'arasou' (compete). If you see it in a book, look for the 'plurality'—is there more than one person involved? If so, 'wo megutte' is the right choice for a more professional sound.
At the B1 level, you should start integrating '〜をめぐって' into your formal writing and speech. This grammar point is essential for passing the JLPT N3/N2 levels. The key nuance is the existence of multiple parties (people, companies, countries) and a central point of contention or interest. Unlike 'nitsuite,' which is just a general topic marker, 'wo megutte' implies that the topic is being 'circled' by different opinions or interests. Grammatically, remember the two forms: '〜をめぐって' (adverbial) and '〜をめぐる' (noun-modifying). You will often see this in news reports regarding political debates (e.g., 憲法改正をめぐって - concerning constitutional reform) or social issues. It requires a verb that reflects this collective interaction, such as 'tairitsu suru' (to oppose) or 'giron suru' (to discuss). Using this instead of 'nitsuite' in a formal essay will significantly improve your score and make your Japanese sound more natural and sophisticated.
For B2 learners, '〜をめぐって' should be a regular part of your repertoire. You should understand that this expression is not just about 'about'; it carries a pragmatic weight of conflict, competition, or collective focus. It is frequently used in 'hard' news (politics, economics, law). You should also be comfortable with the noun-modifying form '〜をめぐる' to create complex noun phrases like 'その事件をめぐる噂' (rumors surrounding that incident). At this level, you must distinguish it from 'ni kanshite' (regarding). While 'ni kanshite' is formal and broad, 'wo megutte' is more specific—it demands a context where the topic is a bone of contention or a focal point for various parties. If you are describing a research topic, 'ni kanshite' is better. If you are describing a debate among researchers about that topic, 'wo megutte' is the superior choice. Pay attention to the surrounding verbs; they almost always imply a dynamic social process.
At the C1 level, you should appreciate the stylistic and rhetorical functions of '〜をめぐって.' It is often used to frame a narrative of conflict or social dynamics. In high-level journalism or academic discourse, 'wo megutte' serves as a thematic anchor, signaling that the following information will detail the various perspectives and struggles surrounding a central issue. You should also recognize the stem form '〜を巡り' in literary or highly formal written contexts, which provides a smoother transition between clauses. Furthermore, understand the nuance of 'focus'—the issue being 'circled' is often a limited resource or a controversial policy. You can use it to describe abstract concepts like 'the struggle over the meaning of freedom' (自由の定義をめぐる争い). Your mastery should extend to knowing when *not* to use it—avoiding it for purely informational or internal psychological states where no 'circling' of parties occurs. It is a tool for mapping social and political landscapes.
For C2 proficiency, your understanding of '〜をめぐって' should be near-native. You should recognize its etymological roots in the movement of 'circling' and how that metaphorically applies to social discourse. You can use it to construct complex, multi-layered sentences that describe the interplay of various stakeholders in a given situation. You should be able to identify its use in classical-style modern prose or legal documents where precision and tone are paramount. At this level, you might use it to discuss the 'hermeneutics surrounding a text' or the 'geopolitical tensions surrounding a specific maritime route.' You should also be sensitive to the rhythm of the sentence; 'wo megutte' provides a specific cadence that sets a serious, objective tone. It is not just a grammar point but a framing device that organizes the social world into centers of conflict and the parties that orbit them. Mastery involves utilizing it to provide clarity in describing complex, multi-faceted societal phenomena.

〜をめぐって في 30 ثانية

  • Used for 'about' in contexts involving conflict or multi-party discussion.
  • Formal tone, common in news, law, and business reports.
  • Structure: Noun + をめぐって (adverb) or をめぐる (modifying a noun).
  • Implies a 'circling' of opinions around a central issue.

The Japanese grammar point 〜をめぐって (wo megutte) is a sophisticated B1-level expression used to describe a situation where multiple parties are involved in a dispute, discussion, or competition regarding a specific topic. Derived from the verb meguru (巡る), which means 'to go around' or 'to circulate,' this structure literally suggests that various opinions or actions are 'circling around' a central issue. In English, it is most frequently translated as 'concerning,' 'over,' 'regarding,' or 'surrounding' an issue.

Core Concept
The focus is not just on the topic itself, but on the conflict or interaction between people regarding that topic. It implies that there is more than one person or group involved and that they are often at odds or in intense deliberation.

新しいマンションの建設をめぐって、住民たちの意見が対立している。

(Opinions of residents are in conflict concerning the construction of the new apartment building.)

This expression is heavily utilized in formal contexts such as news reporting, academic writing, and business discussions. When you hear a news anchor reporting on a political debate or a corporate merger, 〜をめぐって is the go-to phrase. It elevates the tone of the sentence, making it sound more objective and professional than the more common 〜について (about).

Common Subjects
Typical nouns preceding this phrase include 'policy' (政策), 'inheritance' (遺産), 'rumors' (噂), 'territory' (領土), and 'reform' (改革).

親の遺産をめぐって、兄弟が裁判で争っている。

(The siblings are fighting in court over their parents' inheritance.)

While 'nitsuite' is a general-purpose 'about,' 'wo megutte' specifically triggers a sense of plurality. You wouldn't usually use it to say 'I am thinking about my cat' because there is no surrounding debate or multiple parties involved. It requires a 'surrounding' context where the topic affects many people or causes a ripple effect in society.

その法案をめぐる議論は、深夜まで続いた。

(The discussion surrounding that bill continued until late at night.)

In summary, use this when you want to describe a focal point of human interaction, especially when that interaction involves friction, competition, or collective deliberation. It is a hallmark of sophisticated Japanese communication.

Using 〜をめぐって correctly requires understanding its grammatical placement and the type of verbs that follow it. The structure is almost always [Noun] + をめぐって + [Verb/Action]. The noun must be a topic, an object, or an issue that can be discussed or fought over.

Verb Compatibility
The verbs that follow are typically related to conflict, discussion, or competition. Examples include 争う (arasou - to fight), 議論する (giron suru - to discuss), 対立する (tairitsu suru - to be in opposition), or 話し合う (hanashiau - to talk over).

増税案をめぐって、与党と野党が激しく対立している。

(The ruling and opposition parties are in sharp conflict over the tax increase proposal.)

There are two main forms of this grammar point: the adverbial form (wo megutte) and the noun-modifying form (wo meguru). Understanding the difference is crucial for sentence variety and accuracy.

Adverbial Form: 〜をめぐって
Used to describe HOW the action is happening. Example: [Topic] をめぐって [Action].
Noun-Modifying Form: 〜をめぐる
Used to describe a noun that is related to the issue. Example: [Topic] をめぐる [Noun]. This is common in titles or headlines.

教育制度をめぐる諸問題について考えましょう。

(Let's think about various problems surrounding the education system.)

It is important to note that 〜をめぐって cannot be used for simple topics of thought or personal feelings. For instance, 'I am worried about my grades' would use 〜について or 〜に関して, not 〜をめぐって, because 'grades' aren't typically a public debate or a multi-party conflict in that context.

When writing, remember that 〜をめぐって is often followed by a comma to set the stage for the rest of the sentence. This pause emphasizes the gravity of the issue being debated. In formal Japanese, using this structure demonstrates a high level of linguistic competence and a grasp of nuance.

新しいロゴのデザインをめぐって、社内で様々な意見が出た。

(Various opinions were voiced within the company concerning the new logo design.)

You will encounter 〜をめぐって in specific, high-stakes environments. It is not a phrase you would typically use while chatting with friends over coffee, unless you are discussing a controversial news topic or a complex social issue. Its natural habitat is the realm of news, law, politics, and formal business.

Television News and Newspapers
This is the most common place to hear it. Reporters use it to summarize the core of a conflict. 'The dispute over the border,' 'The controversy surrounding the politician's remarks,' and 'The competition over the new technology' are all standard uses.

次期大統領の座をめぐって、激しい選挙戦が繰り広げられている。

(A fierce election battle is unfolding over the seat of the next president.)

In business, it appears during meetings when discussing strategy or resolving internal disagreements. For example, if two departments are fighting over who gets a specific budget, a manager might say, '予算の配分をめぐって話し合いが必要です' (A discussion is necessary concerning the allocation of the budget).

Academic and Legal Contexts
Scholars use it to describe debates in their fields. Lawyers use it to define the subject of a lawsuit or a legal dispute. It provides a clear, professional boundary for the topic at hand.

著作権をめぐる裁判は、和解に終わった。

(The lawsuit surrounding the copyright ended in a settlement.)

Social media also sees its fair share of 〜をめぐって, particularly when a celebrity is involved in a scandal. Netizens might post about 'the controversy surrounding his recent tweets.' Even in this digital space, the phrase retains its formal, slightly detached nuance, as if the speaker is observing the chaos from the outside.

SNS上では、その発言をめぐって論争が起きている。

(On social media, a controversy is arising over those remarks.)

While 〜をめぐって is a powerful tool, learners often misapply it in ways that sound unnatural to native speakers. The most common error is using it for simple, singular topics where no conflict or collective interest exists.

Mistake 1: Singular Interest
Incorrect: 私の将来をめぐって考えています。 (I am thinking over my future.)
Correct: 私の将来について考えています。
Reason: Your future is a personal matter, not a topic of public debate or multi-party conflict.

❌ 昨日の晩ご飯をめぐって話しました。

(Unless your family had a huge fight over what to eat, this is unnatural. Use 'nitsuite'.)

Another frequent mistake is failing to follow the phrase with an appropriate action verb. Remember that 〜をめぐって needs an action that involves multiple perspectives.

Mistake 2: Incompatible Verbs
Incorrect: その噂をめぐって驚いた。 (I was surprised concerning the rumor.)
Correct: その噂を聞いて驚いた。
Reason: Being 'surprised' is an internal reaction, not a collective interaction like debating or fighting.

Finally, learners sometimes confuse 〜をめぐって with 〜に際して (on the occasion of). While both are formal, they have completely different meanings. 〜に際して is about timing, whereas 〜をめぐって is about the topic of a dispute.

❌ 出発をめぐって注意点があります。

(Correct: 出発に際して... - On the occasion of departure...)

Japanese has several ways to say 'about' or 'concerning.' Choosing the right one depends on the level of formality and the specific nuance you want to convey. Here is how 〜をめぐって compares to its cousins.

〜について (Ni tsuite)
The most common and neutral form. It works for almost any 'about.' Unlike 'wo megutte,' it doesn't imply conflict or multiple parties. It's safe for daily conversation.
〜に関して (Ni kanshite)
More formal than 'nitsuite.' It translates to 'regarding' or 'in relation to.' It is broader than 'wo megutte' and doesn't necessarily imply a debate. It is commonly used in business reports.

Compare:
1. 会議の内容について話す (Talk about the meeting content - Neutral)
2. 会議の内容に関して質問する (Ask a question regarding the content - Formal)
3. 会議の内容をめぐって争う (Fight over the content - Conflict/Multiple parties)

Another alternative is 〜に対して (ni taishite), which means 'toward' or 'in contrast to.' This is used when an action or feeling is directed at a specific target. It doesn't carry the 'circling around an issue' feeling of 'wo megutte.'

In very formal or literary contexts, you might see 〜を巡り (wo meguri), which is the stem form of the verb. It functions the same as 'wo megutte' but sounds even more formal and is often used in written news or literature to link two clauses elegantly.

国境を巡り、緊張が高まっている。

(Tensions are rising, circling around the border issue.)

How Formal Is It?

حقيقة ممتعة

The kanji 巡 contains the radical for 'road/movement' and a component meaning 'river/flow', suggesting a natural, circular flow.

دليل النطق

UK wo me-ɡɯt-te
US wo me-ɡut-te
Flat pitch accent (Heiban), but emphasis often naturally falls on 'megutte' in a sentence.
يتقافى مع
itte (言って) matte (待って) shitte (知って) totte (取って) yatte (やって) kitte (切って) utte (売って) notte (乗って)
أخطاء شائعة
  • Pronouncing 'wo' as a strong 'w' sound.
  • Missing the small 'tsu' (pause) in 'tte'.
  • Elongating the 'u' in 'gu' too much.

مستوى الصعوبة

القراءة 3/5

Common in news; need to recognize the Kanji 巡 occasionally.

الكتابة 4/5

Requires understanding the 'multiple parties' nuance to use naturally.

التحدث 4/5

High-level; usually replaced by 'nitsuite' in casual speech.

الاستماع 3/5

Easy to hear in formal broadcasts.

ماذا تتعلّم بعد ذلك

المتطلبات الأساسية

について 関して 巡る 議論 対立

تعلّم لاحقاً

〜に基づいて 〜にわたって 〜を通じて 〜に際して

متقدم

〜を皮切りに 〜を控えて 〜を余儀なくされる

قواعد يجب معرفتها

Noun + について

仕事について話す。

Noun + に関して

調査結果に関して報告する。

Noun + に対して

先生に対して質問する。

Noun + にわたって

三日間にわたって会議が行われた。

Noun + を通じて

友人を通じて知り合った。

أمثلة حسب المستوى

1

そのお金をめぐって、みんなで話しました。

Everyone talked about that money.

A1-level use: Noun + wo megutte + simple verb.

2

新しい公園をめぐって、町の人たちが集まりました。

Townspeople gathered concerning the new park.

Shows the 'gathering around' nuance.

3

だれがリーダーになるかをめぐって、けんかになりました。

A fight broke out over who would become the leader.

Uses 'wo megutte' for a simple conflict.

4

そのニュースをめぐって、いろいろな意見があります。

There are various opinions concerning that news.

Common pattern: Noun + wo megutte + opinions.

5

プレゼントをめぐって、子供たちが走っています。

Children are running around over the present.

Literal and metaphorical 'circling'.

6

この問題をめぐって、話し合いましょう。

Let's talk about this problem.

Formal but simple invitation to discuss.

7

名前をめぐって、お父さんとお母さんが話しています。

Mom and Dad are talking about the name (of the baby).

Focuses on a specific topic of decision.

8

食べ物をめぐって、犬たちがほえています。

The dogs are barking over the food.

Simple competition context.

1

再開発計画をめぐって、反対意見が出ている。

Opposing opinions are coming out concerning the redevelopment plan.

A2 level: Introducing social context.

2

その噂をめぐって、クラス中が騒がしくなった。

The whole class became noisy over that rumor.

Focuses on a collective reaction.

3

優勝カップをめぐって、二つのチームが戦った。

Two teams fought over the championship cup.

Competition context.

4

新しいルールをめぐって、会議が長引いた。

The meeting dragged on over the new rule.

Focuses on the duration caused by the issue.

5

土地の所有権をめぐって、長い間争っている。

They have been fighting over land ownership for a long time.

Context of a long-term dispute.

6

教育方針をめぐって、先生たちが議論した。

Teachers discussed the educational policy.

Professional discussion context.

7

その映画の評価をめぐって、意見が分かれた。

Opinions were divided over the evaluation of that movie.

Focuses on 'divided opinions' (iken ga wakareta).

8

予算の使い方をめぐって、話し合いが行われた。

A discussion was held concerning how to use the budget.

Passive form 'okonawareta' (was held).

1

消費税増税をめぐって、国会で激しい論戦が繰り広げられた。

A fierce debate was unfolded in the Diet over the consumption tax hike.

Standard B1 formal news style.

2

ダム建設をめぐる住民の反対運動が激化している。

The residents' opposition movement surrounding the dam construction is intensifying.

Uses the noun-modifying form 'wo meguru'.

3

その不祥事をめぐって、社長が謝罪会見を行った。

The president held a press conference to apologize concerning the scandal.

Context of social accountability.

4

環境保護をめぐる国際会議が、スイスで開催された。

An international conference surrounding environmental protection was held in Switzerland.

Context of international cooperation/debate.

5

新薬の開発権をめぐって、製薬会社が競い合っている。

Pharmaceutical companies are competing over the development rights of the new drug.

Business competition context.

6

その土地の境界線をめぐって、隣人とトラブルになった。

I had trouble with my neighbor over the boundary line of the land.

Interpersonal conflict in a formal tone.

7

伝統文化の継承をめぐって、若者と年配者の考えが異なる。

The thoughts of young and older people differ concerning the succession of traditional culture.

Generational gap context.

8

首相の発言をめぐって、与野党が対立している。

The ruling and opposition parties are in conflict over the Prime Minister's remarks.

Classic political usage.

1

憲法改正をめぐる議論は、国民の間でも深まっている。

The debate surrounding constitutional reform is deepening among the citizens.

Abstract social debate.

2

著作権の保護をめぐって、インターネット上でのルール作りが進んでいる。

Rule-making on the internet is progressing concerning the protection of copyrights.

Context of modern legal development.

3

石油資源をめぐる争奪戦が、世界各地で起きている。

Battles for control surrounding oil resources are occurring in various parts of the world.

Geopolitical context.

4

その歴史認識をめぐって、二国間の関係が悪化した。

The relationship between the two countries deteriorated over that historical perception.

Diplomatic context.

5

遺伝子組み換え食品をめぐる安全性の議論は、今も続いている。

The debate over safety surrounding genetically modified foods continues even now.

Scientific/ethical debate.

6

次期社長の人選をめぐって、社内で派閥争いが起きている。

A factional struggle is occurring within the company over the selection of the next president.

Corporate politics.

7

都市開発をめぐる環境アセスメントの結果が公表された。

The results of the environmental assessment surrounding urban development were made public.

Technical/administrative context.

8

プライバシーの侵害をめぐって、IT企業が提訴された。

The IT company was sued over the infringement of privacy.

Legal action context.

1

領土問題をめぐる対立は、一朝一夕には解決しない難題である。

The conflict surrounding territorial issues is a difficult problem that cannot be solved overnight.

High-level geopolitical commentary.

2

死刑制度の是非をめぐって、法曹界でも意見が真っ向から対立している。

Opinions are directly opposed even within the legal profession concerning the pros and cons of the death penalty.

Complex ethical/legal debate.

3

その経済政策の有効性をめぐり、専門家の間でも評価が分かれている。

Evaluations are divided even among experts concerning the effectiveness of that economic policy.

Uses 'meguri' for a formal literary touch.

4

情報公開の在り方をめぐる議論が、民主主義の根幹に関わる問題として浮上した。

The debate surrounding how information disclosure should be has surfaced as an issue involving the core of democracy.

Abstract political philosophy context.

5

少子高齢化対策をめぐる財源の確保が、喫緊の課題となっている。

Securing financial resources surrounding measures for the declining birthrate and aging population has become an urgent task.

Sophisticated administrative terminology.

6

人工知能の倫理的利用をめぐる国際的な枠組み作りが急がれている。

The creation of an international framework surrounding the ethical use of AI is being urged.

Modern technological ethics.

7

天皇の退位をめぐる特例法が、異例の速さで成立した。

The special measures law surrounding the Emperor's abdication was enacted with unusual speed.

Specific historical/legal event.

8

市場の独占禁止法違反をめぐって、大手プラットフォーマーへの監視が強まっている。

Surveillance of major platformers is strengthening concerning violations of the Antimonopoly Act.

Economic/legal regulation.

1

言論の自由の限界をめぐる法理学的考察は、多岐にわたる議論を内包している。

Legal-philosophical considerations surrounding the limits of freedom of speech involve wide-ranging debates.

Academic/philosophical register.

2

グローバル資本主義の是非をめぐる言説は、ポストモダン以降、さらに複雑化している。

Discourse surrounding the pros and cons of global capitalism has become even more complex since the postmodern era.

Sociological/critical theory context.

3

当該条約の解釈をめぐる齟齬が、最終的に武力衝突を招く結果となった。

The discrepancy surrounding the interpretation of the treaty in question ultimately resulted in armed conflict.

Precise, historical/diplomatic narrative.

4

宗教的アイデンティティをめぐる相克は、現代社会においても依然として解消されていない。

The rivalry surrounding religious identity remains unresolved even in modern society.

Theological/sociological conflict.

5

バイオエシックスの観点から見た、生殖医療の是非をめぐる論争は極めて熾烈である。

The controversy surrounding the pros and cons of reproductive medicine from the perspective of bioethics is extremely fierce.

Medical ethics at a professional level.

6

量子力学の解釈をめぐるアインシュタインとボーアの論争は、科学史における白眉である。

The debate between Einstein and Bohr surrounding the interpretation of quantum mechanics is a highlight in the history of science.

Scientific history context.

7

地方自治の権限委譲をめぐる中央政府との確執が、表面化しつつある。

The feud with the central government surrounding the delegation of local government authority is coming to the surface.

Political science/administrative feud.

8

文化遺産の返還問題をめぐる国際世論の動向を、注視する必要がある。

It is necessary to closely monitor the trends in international public opinion surrounding the issue of returning cultural heritage.

International law and cultural heritage.

تلازمات شائعة

対立をめぐって
遺産をめぐって
噂をめぐって
開発をめぐって
政策をめぐって
権利をめぐって
資源をめぐって
人選をめぐって
解釈をめぐって
境界をめぐって

العبارات الشائعة

〜をめぐる問題

— Problems surrounding...

ゴミ問題をめぐる議論。

〜をめぐる議論

— Debate surrounding...

死刑制度をめぐる議論。

〜をめぐる争い

— Conflict/Fight over...

王位をめぐる争い。

〜をめぐる情勢

— Situation surrounding...

中東をめぐる情勢。

〜をめぐる噂

— Rumors surrounding...

彼の引退をめぐる噂。

〜をめぐる対立

— Opposition surrounding...

党内の対立をめぐる報道。

〜をめぐる混乱

— Confusion surrounding...

新システムをめぐる混乱。

〜をめぐる交渉

— Negotiations surrounding...

賃上げをめぐる交渉。

〜をめぐる疑惑

— Suspicions/Doubts surrounding...

収賄疑惑をめぐる調査。

〜をめぐる裁判

— Lawsuit surrounding...

特許権をめぐる裁判。

يُخلط عادةً مع

〜をめぐって vs について

General 'about'. 'Wo megutte' is for conflict/multiple parties.

〜をめぐって vs に関して

Formal 'regarding'. 'Wo megutte' is more specific to debate/competition.

〜をめぐって vs に対して

Means 'toward' or 'against'. 'Wo megutte' means 'surrounding' an issue.

تعبيرات اصطلاحية

"骨肉の争いをめぐって"

— Concerning a bloody family feud (usually over inheritance).

遺産をめぐる骨肉の争い。

Formal/Dramatic
"主導権をめぐって"

— Over the initiative/leadership.

会議の主導権をめぐって争う。

Business
"覇権をめぐって"

— Over hegemony/dominance.

世界の覇権をめぐる争い。

Geopolitical
"一進一退の攻防をめぐって"

— Concerning a back-and-forth battle.

勝利をめぐる一進一退の攻防。

Sports/News
"真っ向から対立をめぐって"

— Concerning a direct opposition.

方針をめぐって真っ向から対立する。

Formal
"暗礁に乗り上げるのをめぐって"

— Concerning a situation hitting a deadlock.

交渉が暗礁に乗り上げるのをめぐって話し合う。

Metaphorical
"火花を散らすのをめぐって"

— Concerning sparks flying (intense rivalry).

優勝をめぐって火花を散らす。

Idiomatic
"舵取りをめぐって"

— Concerning the steering/management of a situation.

国の舵取りをめぐって議論する。

Political
"矛先を向けるのをめぐって"

— Concerning directing the brunt of criticism.

責任の矛先をめぐって揉める。

Formal
"泥沼化するのをめぐって"

— Concerning a situation becoming a quagmire.

紛争の泥沼化をめぐる懸念。

News

سهل الخلط

〜をめぐって vs に際して

Both are formal and start with 'ni/wo'.

Ni saishite means 'on the occasion of' (timing). Wo megutte means 'concerning' (topic of debate).

卒業に際して (On graduation) vs 卒業式をめぐって (Over the graduation ceremony debate).

〜をめぐって vs を通じて

Both involve a process.

Wo tsuujite means 'through/via'. Wo megutte means 'concerning/over'.

友人を通じて (Via a friend) vs 友人をめぐって (Over a friend - e.g. two people fighting for the same friend).

〜をめぐって vs をもとに

Both use 'wo'.

Wo moto ni means 'based on'. Wo megutte means 'concerning'.

事実をもとに (Based on facts) vs 事実をめぐって (Over the facts - e.g. debating what is true).

〜をめぐって vs をきっかけに

Both mark a starting point of an event.

Wo kikkake ni means 'with ... as a trigger'. Wo megutte is the topic of debate itself.

その事件をきっかけに (Triggered by the incident) vs その事件をめぐって (Over the incident).

〜をめぐって vs をこめて

Both use 'wo'.

Wo komete means 'with (love/feeling)'. Wo megutte is for topics.

愛をこめて (With love) vs 愛をめぐって (Over love - e.g. a love triangle).

أنماط الجُمل

B1

[Issue] をめぐって、[People] が議論している。

増税をめぐって、国民が議論している。

B1

[Issue] をめぐる [Noun] が起きている。

土地をめぐる争いが起きている。

B2

[Issue] をめぐり、[Result]。

その発言をめぐり、不信感が広がった。

B2

[Issue] をめぐっての [Noun]。

予算をめぐっての話し合い。

C1

[Abstract Issue] をめぐる [Complex Noun]。

近代化をめぐる哲学的考察。

C1

[Issue] をめぐりまして、[Polite Action]。

本件をめぐりまして、ご報告申し上げます。

C2

[Detailed Issue] をめぐる [Scholarly Verb]。

当該事象をめぐる言説を分析する。

C2

[Issue] をめぐる相克。

利害をめぐる相克が激化する。

عائلة الكلمة

الأسماء

巡り (meguri) - rotation/circulation
巡回 (junkai) - patrol

الأفعال

巡る (meguru) - to go around
巡り合う (meguriau) - to happen to meet

مرتبط

周囲 (shuui) - surroundings
中心 (chuushin) - center
論点 (ronten) - point of debate
争い (arasoi) - conflict
議論 (giron) - discussion

كيفية الاستخدام

frequency

High in news/writing, low in daily speech.

أخطاء شائعة
  • 私の趣味をめぐって話します。 私の趣味について話します。

    Hobbies are personal; they aren't usually a topic of multi-party conflict.

  • 試験をめぐって心配です。 試験のことが心配です。

    'Worrying' is an internal state, not a collective interaction.

  • 彼女をめぐって好きです。 彼女のことが好きです。

    You can't 'like' concerning someone; it doesn't make sense grammatically.

  • 会議をめぐって行きました。 会議に行きました。

    You go 'to' a meeting, not 'concerning' a meeting in this context.

  • 昨日の映画をめぐって面白かった。 昨日の映画は面白かった。

    'Interesting' is an evaluation, not an action involving multiple parties.

نصائح

Check for Multiple Parties

Before using 'wo megutte', ask yourself: 'Are there at least two people or groups involved?' If it's just one person, use 'nitsuite'.

Use in News Summary

When summarizing a news article in Japanese, use '〜をめぐる' to create a clear title for the issue.

Pair with 'Conflict' Verbs

Memorize 'wo megutte' as part of a pair with verbs like 'arasou' (fight) or 'tairitsu' (oppose).

Identify the 'Hub'

When you hear 'wo megutte', the noun before it is the 'hub' or the center of all the action in the story.

Formal Link

Use the stem form '〜を巡り' to link two formal sentences without using 'te' form repeatedly.

Tone Control

Use this phrase to sound objective during a business meeting when describing a disagreement between departments.

Avoid Personal Feelings

Never use it for 'I am worried about...' or 'I like...'. It's for external issues.

Kanji Recognition

The kanji 巡 (meguru) is also used in 巡査 (junsa - police officer) and 巡回 (junkai - patrol). Think of a patrol going 'around'.

Look for the Noun Modifying Form

In headlines, '〜をめぐる' is much more common than '〜をめぐって'.

JLPT Strategy

If you see a question about a debate or a dispute between two groups, 'wo megutte' is almost always the correct choice over 'nitsuite'.

احفظها

وسيلة تذكّر

Imagine a group of people standing in a circle (MEGURU) around a prize. They are fighting 'over' it.

ربط بصري

A round table with a glowing orb in the middle. Everyone is pointing at the orb from all sides.

Word Web

Conflict Circle Debate Multiple Parties News Formal Issue Center

تحدٍّ

Try to find one news headline today using '〜をめぐる' or '〜をめぐって' on a Japanese news site like NHK.

أصل الكلمة

From the Japanese verb 'meguru' (巡る), which has been in use since the Old Japanese period. It originally described physical movement in a circle.

المعنى الأصلي: To go around a perimeter or to return to a starting point.

Japonic

السياق الثقافي

Always use this for professional or public issues. Avoid using it for very private, sensitive matters unless you want to sound like a news reporter.

In English, we often use 'over' (e.g., 'fighting over money') or 'surrounding'. 'Concerning' is a close formal equivalent.

Used frequently in NHK News 7. Common in the title of the book 'Kantei wo Meguru Seiji' (Politics Surrounding the Prime Minister's Office).

تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية

سياقات واقعية

Political News

  • 与野党の対立
  • 議論が紛糾する
  • 法案の採択
  • 首相の判断

Legal Disputes

  • 裁判で争う
  • 所有権の主張
  • 和解が成立する
  • 損害賠償を求める

Business Strategy

  • 予算の配分
  • 主導権を握る
  • 意見を集約する
  • 方針を決定する

Social Issues

  • 賛否両論
  • 議論が深まる
  • 関心が高まる
  • 問題が浮上する

Historical Narratives

  • 覇権を争う
  • 領土の拡大
  • 王位の継承
  • 時代の転換点

بدايات محادثة

"最近のニュースで、新しい税金をめぐる議論についてどう思いますか?"

"仕事で、予算の使い方をめぐって意見が分かれたことはありますか?"

"子供の頃、兄弟とおもちゃをめぐってケンカしたことがありますか?"

"今の社会で、最も議論をめぐって対立している問題は何だと思いますか?"

"新しいプロジェクトのリーダーをめぐって、チームで話し合いが必要ですね。"

مواضيع للكتابة اليومية

あなたが最近、誰かと意見をめぐって話し合ったことについて書いてください。

母国で今、最も注目をめぐる社会問題は何ですか?その背景を説明してください。

もしあなたが遺産をめぐる争いに巻き込まれたら、どう対処しますか?

「自由」という言葉の定義をめぐる議論について、自分の考えを述べてください。

会社や学校で、新しいルールをめぐって混乱が起きた時のエピソードを書いてください。

الأسئلة الشائعة

10 أسئلة

No, that would be very strange. It implies a group of people are fighting over you. Use 'あなたのことを考えています' instead.

Grammatically, they differ. '〜をめぐる' modifies a noun (e.g., the problem surrounding...), while '〜をめぐって' modifies a verb (e.g., fighting over...).

Yes, but it's less common. You could say 'The whole town is excited over the new festival' (お祭りをめぐって町中が盛り上がっている), but it still implies a collective focus.

'〜に関して' is a broad, formal 'regarding'. '〜をめぐって' is more specific, implying that the topic is the center of a debate or competition.

In formal writing, yes. In JLPT B1 level materials, it is sometimes written in Hiragana (めぐって) to make it easier to read.

Not necessarily a physical fight, but usually a disagreement, a debate, or at least a situation where different people have different interests.

Yes, '〜をめぐっては' is used to emphasize the topic as the main subject of the sentence, often followed by a general observation.

Yes, if children are fighting over it, you can say '鉛筆をめぐってケンカする'. It sounds slightly dramatic but is correct.

Verbs like 争う (arasou), 議論する (giron suru), 対立する (tairitsu suru), and 話し合う (hanashiau).

Just use '〜のことで' or '〜について'. '〜をめぐって' is too stiff for casual chat.

اختبر نفسك 173 أسئلة

writing

Translate: 'They are fighting over the inheritance.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Translate: 'There are various opinions surrounding the new law.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Translate: 'The discussion concerning the redevelopment plan continued.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Translate: 'The two countries are in conflict over the border.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Translate: 'Rumors surrounding his retirement are spreading.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Translate: 'A meeting was held concerning the budget allocation.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Translate: 'The siblings fought over the parents' property.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Translate: 'Controversy is arising over the politician's remarks.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Translate: 'The lawsuit surrounding the copyright ended.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Translate: 'Opinions were divided over the evaluation of the movie.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Write a sentence using '〜をめぐって' about a new park.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Write a sentence using '〜をめぐる' about a problem.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Translate: 'The competition over the new technology is fierce.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Translate: 'A fight broke out over the last piece of cake.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Translate: 'The debate surrounding the tax hike is deepening.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Translate: 'Tensions are rising over the maritime boundary.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Translate: 'There is a struggle over the leadership of the party.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Translate: 'The confusion surrounding the new system continues.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Translate: 'They discussed the safety of the nuclear plant.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Translate: 'Suspicions surrounding the scandal were investigated.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Describe a conflict over a park using '〜をめぐって'.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Tell your boss there is a disagreement over the budget.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Explain a news story about an inheritance fight.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Discuss a rumor in class using '〜をめぐって'.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Ask a coworker about the debate over the new rule.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say that two countries are fighting over a border.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Mention a discussion about a logo design.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Describe a competition for a prize.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Explain a debate about the environment.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Describe a dispute over a fence with a neighbor.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Talk about a debate over a tax increase.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Describe a controversy over a celebrity's post.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Explain a fight over the last piece of pizza.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Mention a discussion over educational policy.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Describe a legal battle over a patent.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Listen and identify the topic: '予算の配分をめぐって議論がありました。'

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Listen and identify the action: '遺産をめぐって兄弟が争っている。'

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Listen and identify the parties: '与野党が新法案をめぐって対立している。'

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Listen and identify the context: 'その不祥事をめぐって会見が行われた。'

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Listen and identify the result: '意見が分かれた。'

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Listen and identify the location: '国境をめぐって緊張が高まっている。'

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Listen and identify the duration: '議論は深夜まで続いた。'

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Listen and identify the noun modified: '再開発をめぐる諸問題。'

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Listen and identify the focus: '誰がリーダーになるかをめぐって。'

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Listen and identify the feeling: '騒ぎが起きた。'

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:

/ 173 correct

Perfect score!

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