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A2 phrase #1,000 más común 15 min de lectura

〜の周り

no mawari Top 1,000

At the A1 level, you are learning the most basic ways to describe where things are. You already know words like 前 (mae - front), 後ろ (ushiro - back), and 中 (naka - inside). 〜の周り (no mawari) is another essential word in this group. It means 'around' or 'the outside edge of something'. Imagine you draw a circle around a house. That circle is the 'mawari' of the house. To use it, you always put the object first, then the particle の (no), and then 周り (mawari). For example, 'around the house' is 家の周り (ie no mawari). 'Around the table' is テーブルの周り (teeburu no mawari). It is very simple to build these phrases. You will use this word mostly to talk about where things are located. If there are trees around a park, you say 公園の周りに木があります (Kouen no mawari ni ki ga arimasu). Notice that we use the particle に (ni) because we are talking about where the trees exist. This is just like saying 部屋の中にベッドがあります (There is a bed in the room). At this beginner stage, focus on physical objects. Practice looking around your room and describing what is around different things. What is around your computer? パソコンの周りに何がありますか？ (Pasokon no mawari ni nani ga arimasu ka?). Maybe there are books, or a cup of coffee. By mastering this simple structure, you can give much better descriptions of places and help people find things. Remember, it does not mean 'inside', it means the space on the outside, going around the object.

At the A2 level, you are ready to use 〜の周り with action verbs, not just for describing where things are. This is where particles become very important. You know that に (ni) is used for existence (あります/います). But what if you are doing something in that area? If children are playing around a tree, you use the particle で (de) for action: 木の周りで遊んでいます (Ki no mawari de asonde imasu). The playing happens in the space around the tree. Even more importantly, you need to learn how to use it with motion verbs like 走る (hashiru - to run) or 歩く (aruku - to walk). If you are moving in a circle around something, you must use the particle を (wo). This particle shows the path of your movement. So, 'to run around the park' is 公園の周りを走ります (Kouen no mawari o hashirimasu). This is a very common way to talk about exercise or taking a walk. You might say, 毎朝、家の周りを散歩します (Maiasa, ie no mawari o sanpo shimasu - Every morning, I take a walk around my house). At this level, you should also start noticing that 'mawari' is different from 近く (chikaku - near). If you just live near the station, say 駅の近く (eki no chikaku). Only use 駅の周り (eki no mawari) if you are talking about the area immediately circling the station, like the shops right outside the exits. Practice making sentences with に, で, and を to describe different situations around objects.

At the B1 level, your understanding of 〜の周り expands beyond physical spaces into the abstract and social world. This is a major step in sounding more natural in Japanese. In Japan, the concept of 'mawari' is deeply connected to social harmony. When people say 周りの人 (mawari no hito), they mean 'the people around me'—friends, family, coworkers, or even strangers in the same room. You will start hearing and using phrases related to social awareness. For example, 周りに迷惑をかける (mawari ni meiwaku o kakeru) means 'to cause trouble for those around you'. This is a very important cultural concept. You might also hear 周りの目を気にする (mawari no me o ki ni suru), which means 'to worry about what others think' (literally: the eyes of the surroundings). At this level, you can also use 'mawari' to describe the general situation or circumstances. For instance, 仕事の周りの環境 (shigoto no mawari no kankyou) means 'the environment surrounding the job'. You should also be comfortable using double particles, such as 周りからのプレッシャー (mawari kara no puresshaa - pressure from surroundings/peers). You are no longer just describing where a cat is sitting; you are describing human relationships and societal expectations. Start paying attention to how native speakers use 'mawari' when they complain about their workplace or talk about their friends. It is a key word for expressing feelings about social dynamics.

At the B2 level, you are refining your vocabulary and learning to distinguish between native Japanese words (wago) and Sino-Japanese words (kango). While 〜の周り is perfect for daily conversation, you must now learn its formal equivalents: 周辺 (shuuhen) and 周囲 (shuui). You will encounter these in news articles, business emails, and formal presentations. If you are reading a news report about a new shopping mall, it will say 駅周辺の開発 (eki shuuhen no kaihatsu - development around the station), not 駅の周り. You need to be able to switch between these registers depending on your audience. Furthermore, you will learn idiomatic expressions using 'mawari'. For example, 身の回り (mi no mawari) refers to one's personal belongings or daily personal affairs. 身の回りの世話をする (mi no mawari no sewa o suru) means 'to take care of someone's daily needs'. You will also see it used in compound words like 水回り (mizumawari), which refers to the areas in a house with plumbing (kitchen, bathroom). At this level, your use of particles with 'mawari' should be flawless, and you should intuitively understand the social weight when someone says 周りが許さない (mawari ga yurusanai - the people around [me/you] won't allow it). You are mastering the subtleties of the word, using it not just for location, but for describing complex social constraints, formal geography, and specific household concepts.

At the C1 level, your grasp of 〜の周り and its related terms is highly advanced and nuanced. You understand the deep psychological and cultural implications of the word. You can effortlessly navigate conversations about peer pressure, societal norms, and group dynamics using 'mawari' as a central concept. You understand that in Japanese society, 'mawari' often acts as an invisible, collective entity that dictates behavior. Phrases like 周りに流される (mawari ni nagasareru - to be swept along by those around you / to follow the crowd) are part of your active vocabulary. You can read a room (空気を読む) and understand how 'mawari' influences decision-making in a business context. You are also fully comfortable with highly specific compound nouns and technical uses. In literature or advanced essays, you can appreciate the subtle differences between 周囲 (shuui), 周辺 (shuuhen), 辺り (atari), and 界隈 (kaiwai - neighborhood/vicinity). You know that 界隈 carries a cultural or historical nuance that 周辺 lacks. You can use 'mawari' metaphorically to describe the periphery of an issue or argument, such as 問題の周りをぐるぐる回る (mondai no mawari o guruguru mawaru - to beat around the bush / circle the issue). Your Japanese is sophisticated enough that you don't just translate 'around'; you select the exact spatial or social term that fits the precise context, register, and emotional tone of the conversation.

At the C2 level, your command of 〜の周り is indistinguishable from an educated native speaker. You possess a deep, intuitive understanding of the etymology and the historical evolution of spatial concepts in Japanese. You recognize how the verb 回る (mawaru - to turn) gave birth to the noun 周り, and how this circular concept permeates Japanese aesthetics and philosophy. You can analyze classic literature or modern poetry, understanding how authors use 'mawari' to create a sense of isolation (being disconnected from one's mawari) or profound connection. You are adept at using obscure or highly specialized idioms. You can engage in high-level academic discourse, perhaps discussing sociology or anthropology, using terms like 周縁 (shuuen - periphery/margin) in contrast to the more common 'mawari'. You understand the dialectal variations of spatial words across different regions of Japan. When you speak or write, your use of 'mawari' and its synonyms is effortless, perfectly calibrated to the micro-context of the sentence. You understand that 'mawari' is not just a word, but a lens through which Japanese culture views the individual's place in the world—always relative, always connected, and always defined by what surrounds them. You can articulate these complex cultural theories in fluent Japanese, using the vocabulary of space to discuss the human condition.

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

〜の周り en 30 segundos

Refers to the physical space encircling an object.
Used to describe the people in your social circle.
Connects to nouns using the particle 'no'.
Requires different particles (ni, de, wo) based on the action.

The Japanese phrase 〜の周り (no mawari) is an essential spatial and relational concept that translates to 'around' or 'surroundings' in English. To truly master this phrase, learners must understand that Japanese categorizes space and relationships quite differently than English does. When you say 'around the table' in English, you might mean sitting at the table, or physically walking in a circle around it. In Japanese, テーブルの周り (teeburu no mawari) specifically refers to the perimeter or the space immediately encircling the table. The word 周り (mawari) comes from the verb 回る (mawaru), which means to turn, revolve, or go around. Therefore, the inherent feeling of 〜の周り is circularity or encompassing a central point. This central point is marked by the particle の (no), which links the noun to the spatial concept.

Sentence 家の周りに木がたくさんあります。

For example, if you stand in a park, 公園の周り (kouen no mawari) refers to the area encircling the park, perhaps the streets or houses bordering it, rather than the inside of the park itself. This distinction is crucial for learners because confusing the inside with the perimeter can lead to misunderstandings in directions. Furthermore, 〜の周り is not limited to physical spaces. It is extensively used to describe abstract concepts, particularly social circles.

Physical Usage: Refers to the literal, physical space encircling an object, like the crust of a pizza or the frame of a picture.

When a Japanese person talks about 周りの人 (mawari no hito), they are referring to the people around them—their peers, colleagues, friends, or family. This usage highlights the deeply ingrained cultural importance of harmony and social awareness in Japan. You are constantly expected to 'read the room' or be considerate of your 'mawari'. The physical and the abstract blend seamlessly in this phrase. Let us look at some specific nuances. When used with physical objects, the scale can range from a tiny cup (コップの周り - around the cup) to an entire planet (地球の周り - around the earth). The versatility is immense. You will often hear it paired with various particles depending on the action taking place. For instance, if something exists around a central point, you use に (ni), as in 池の周りに木がある (There are trees around the pond).

Sentence 駅の周りはとても賑やかです。

If an action is happening in that surrounding area, you use で (de), as in 火の周りで踊る (to dance around the fire). If motion is passing through or tracing the perimeter, you use を (wo), as in トラックの周りを走る (to run around the track). Understanding these particle pairings is just as important as knowing the word itself.

Abstract Usage: Refers to the social environment, the people surrounding you, or the circumstances of a particular situation.

The concept of 'mawari' also extends to time and circumstances, though less commonly than physical or social contexts. You might hear phrases that imply 'the circumstances surrounding an event'. In everyday conversation, mastering 〜の周り will dramatically improve your ability to describe locations, give directions, and express social dynamics. It is a bridge between the physical world and the cultural mindset of Japan. As you practice, visualize the central object and the invisible circle drawn around it. That circle is the 'mawari'.

Sentence 周りの人に親切にしましょう。

Whether you are talking about the crust of a pizza, the frame of a picture, or the colleagues in your office, they all occupy the 'mawari' of a central subject. This spatial awareness is key to natural-sounding Japanese. Remember that Japanese relies heavily on these noun-based spatial words (like 前, 後ろ, 上, 下, 中) combined with の, rather than using prepositions like in English. 〜の周り is the perfect example of this grammatical structure. By treating 'surroundings' as a tangible noun, Japanese allows for highly precise descriptions of space and relationship.

Grammar Structure: Noun + の (no) + 周り (mawari) + Particle (ni/de/wo/wa/ga) + Verb/Adjective.

Sentence 地球の周りを月が回っています。

Sentence 池の周りを散歩しました。

Master this word, and you will unlock a fundamental way that Japanese speakers view the world around them, both physically and socially. It is a word that you will encounter every single day in Japan, from listening to the news to chatting with friends at a cafe.

Using 〜の周り correctly in sentences requires a solid understanding of Japanese particles, because 'mawari' acts as a spatial noun that must be connected to the rest of the sentence. The most common particles used with 〜の周り are に (ni), で (de), を (wo), は (wa), and が (ga). Each particle drastically changes the meaning of the sentence, specifically regarding the type of action or state being described. Let us break down these usages in detail to ensure you can construct natural and grammatically correct sentences.

Sentence テーブルの周りに椅子が四つあります。

First, let us look at the particle に (ni). When you use 〜の周りに, you are describing a state of existence or a destination. It answers the question 'where is it?' or 'where is it going?'. For example, 家の周りに花を植える (ie no mawari ni hana o ueru) means 'to plant flowers around the house'. The flowers will exist in the space surrounding the house. Similarly, 机の周りに人が集まった (tsukue no mawari ni hito ga atsumatta) means 'people gathered around the desk'. The desk is the central point, and the people's final location is the area encircling it.

Particle に (ni): Used for existence (ある/いる) or the destination of an action (集まる/置く). It pinpoints the location where something is or ends up.

Next is the particle で (de). When you use 〜の周りで, you are describing an action taking place within that surrounding area. It answers the question 'where is the action happening?'. For instance, 子供たちが木の周りで遊んでいる (kodomotachi ga ki no mawari de asonde iru) translates to 'children are playing around the tree'. The playing is an active verb occurring in the space defined by 'the tree's surroundings'.

Sentence キャンプファイヤーの周りで歌を歌いました。

Then we have the particle を (wo). This is particularly important for verbs of motion. When you use 〜の周りを, you are describing a movement that traces the perimeter or goes in a circle around the central object. For example, 公園の周りを走る (kouen no mawari o hashiru) means 'to run around the park'. The park is the central object, and the running motion creates a path around it. This is different from 公園の中を走る (running inside the park).

Particle を (wo): Used with motion verbs (走る, 歩く, 飛ぶ, 回る) to indicate the path or route of the movement. It implies tracing the perimeter.

You can also use 〜の周り as the subject or topic of a sentence using は (wa) or が (ga). For example, この町の周りは山が多い (kono machi no mawari wa yama ga ooi) means 'the area around this town has many mountains'. Here, 'the surroundings of the town' is the topic being described.

Sentence 学校の周りはとても静かです。

Another common structure is modifying another noun. You do this by adding another の (no). For example, 目の周りの皮膚 (me no mawari no hifu) means 'the skin around the eyes'. This double-no structure is extremely common in Japanese anatomy and geography descriptions. Let's look at the social aspect again. When using 周り to mean 'people around me', it often takes verbs related to perception or influence. 周りの目を気にする (mawari no me o ki ni suru) means 'to worry about what others think' (literally: to worry about the eyes of the surroundings). 周りに迷惑をかける (mawari ni meiwaku o kakeru) means 'to cause trouble for those around you'.

Sentence 周りの意見を聞くことが大切です。

Modifying Nouns: Noun A + の + 周り + の + Noun B. Example: 城の周りの堀 (the moat around the castle).

Sentence 首の周りにマフラーを巻く。

By mastering these particle combinations, you can express a wide variety of spatial and social relationships with precision. Practice visualizing the action: is it existing there (ni), happening there (de), or moving through there (wo)? This mental image will guide you to the correct grammar every time.

The phrase 〜の周り is ubiquitous in Japanese daily life, appearing in almost every context imaginable, from casual conversations to formal news broadcasts. Because it describes both physical space and social environments, you will hear it constantly. Let us explore the most common situations where this word naturally occurs. First and foremost, you will hear it when giving or receiving directions. If you are looking for a convenience store, someone might say, 駅の周りにコンビニがいくつかあります (Eki no mawari ni konbini ga ikutsu ka arimasu - There are several convenience stores around the station).

Sentence ホテルの周りにレストランはありますか。

In this context, it implies the immediate vicinity, usually within walking distance. You will also hear it in real estate. When looking for an apartment, the agent will describe the neighborhood as 家の周りの環境 (ie no mawari no kankyou - the environment around the house), mentioning if it is quiet, safe, or convenient.

Real Estate & Directions: Used to describe the neighborhood, local amenities, and the general atmosphere of a specific location.

Another extremely common context is health and beauty. In cosmetics, you will frequently see products designed for 目の周り (me no mawari - around the eyes) or 口の周り (kuchi no mawari - around the mouth). Doctors will ask if you have pain 傷の周り (kizu no mawari - around the wound).

Sentence 目の周りのシワが気になります。

Moving to the social sphere, 〜の周り is a staple in conversations about relationships, workplace dynamics, and societal pressure. Japanese culture places a high value on group harmony (和 - wa), and being aware of your 'mawari' is considered a fundamental social skill. You will hear people complain about someone who doesn't read the room by saying, あの人は周りが見えていない (Ano hito wa mawari ga miete inai - That person cannot see their surroundings/is oblivious to others).

Social Dynamics: Used to discuss peer pressure, consideration for others, and one's reputation among peers.

Conversely, a compliment might be 周りへの配慮が素晴らしい (Mawari e no hairyo ga subarashii - Their consideration for those around them is wonderful). In schools and workplaces, the phrase 周りの人 (mawari no hito) is used to refer to classmates or colleagues.

Sentence 周りの期待に応えたいです。

You will also encounter this word in news and weather reports. A weather forecaster might say, 関東地方とその周り (Kantou chihou to sono mawari - The Kanto region and its surrounding areas) will experience heavy rain. In sports, commentators describe athletes running トラックの周り (torakku no mawari - around the track) or defenders gathering ゴールの周り (gooru no mawari - around the goal).

Sentence 台風の周りの雨雲が近づいています。

Finally, in everyday household chores, you will use it constantly. You might need to clean テーブルの周り (teeburu no mawari - around the table) or pick up toys scattered テレビの周り (terebi no mawari - around the TV).

Household Chores: Used to specify areas that need cleaning, organizing, or attention within a room or house.

Sentence パソコンの周りを片付けてください。

Because it applies to the micro (eyes, cups), the macro (cities, planets), and the abstract (society, relationships), 〜の周り is truly a word you cannot avoid. Pay attention to how native speakers use it, and you will quickly grasp its versatility and cultural significance.

While 〜の周り is a fundamental phrase, English speakers frequently make specific mistakes when using it. These errors usually stem from direct translation from English, misunderstanding Japanese spatial concepts, or confusing it with similar vocabulary. Let us examine the most common pitfalls so you can avoid them and sound more natural. The first major mistake is confusing 〜の周り (no mawari) with 近く (chikaku), which means 'near' or 'close to'.

Sentence 駅の周りを歩く。

In English, we often use 'around' to mean 'near'. For example, 'I live around the station.' If you translate this directly to 駅の周りに住んでいます (Eki no mawari ni sunde imasu), it sounds a bit strange to a Japanese ear. It paints a picture of you living in a circle encompassing the station. Instead, you should say 駅の近くに住んでいます (Eki no chikaku ni sunde imasu - I live near the station). Use 〜の周り only when you specifically mean the perimeter or the area encircling the object.

Mawari vs Chikaku: Mawari implies encircling or surrounding. Chikaku simply implies proximity or short distance.

Another frequent error involves the misuse of particles, specifically confusing に (ni), で (de), and を (wo). As discussed earlier, these particles dictate the nature of the action. A common mistake is saying 公園の周りに走る (Kouen no mawari ni hashiru) when you mean 'I run around the park'. Because 'run' is a motion verb tracing a path, the correct particle is を (wo): 公園の周りを走る. Using に (ni) with a motion verb like hashiru implies you are running *to* the surroundings as a final destination, which is rarely what you mean.

Sentence 池の周りを自転車で走る。

A third mistake is forgetting the particle の (no) altogether. Because 'around' is a preposition in English, learners sometimes treat 'mawari' as a preposition and say テーブル周り (teeburu mawari). While this compound noun structure is sometimes used in very specific business or technical contexts (like 水周り - mizu-mawari, referring to plumbing areas), in standard everyday grammar, you must use の to connect the nouns: テーブルの周り.

Forgetting 'No': Always remember that Mawari is a noun. To say 'A's surroundings', you must use A + no + Mawari.

Furthermore, learners sometimes confuse 周り (mawari) with 辺り (atari). While both can translate to 'around' or 'vicinity', 辺り is much vaguer. この辺り (kono atari) means 'around here' or 'this general area'. この周り (kono mawari) would specifically mean 'the perimeter of this specific thing'. If you are lost and asking for a landmark, you ask この辺りに... (kono atari ni...), not この周りに.

Sentence 私の周りには親切な人が多い。

Lastly, regarding the social usage, English speakers might translate 'people around me' literally, but fail to grasp the cultural weight. When a Japanese person says 周りが結婚し始めた (Mawari ga kekkon shi hajimeta - People around me have started getting married), it often carries an implicit sense of social pressure or a shift in their life stage, not just a factual observation.

Social Nuance: 'Mawari' in a social context is rarely neutral; it usually reflects the speaker's relationship with their social environment.

Sentence 周りの目を気にしないでください。

Sentence 火の周りに集まる。

By being mindful of these common mistakes—especially the distinction between 'encircling' (mawari) and 'near' (chikaku), and the correct use of motion particles—you will significantly improve the accuracy and natural flow of your Japanese spatial descriptions.

The Japanese language is rich in vocabulary for describing spatial relationships and surroundings. While 〜の周り is the most common and versatile term, there are several similar words and alternatives that carry slightly different nuances, formalities, or specific use cases. Understanding these alternatives will elevate your Japanese from a basic level to a more nuanced and natural proficiency. Let us explore the most important synonyms and when to use them instead of 〜の周り.

Sentence 駅の周辺は再開発されています。

The most direct formal equivalent to 周り (mawari) is 周辺 (shuuhen). While 'mawari' is a native Japanese word (wago) used in everyday conversation, 'shuuhen' is a Sino-Japanese word (kango) used in formal writing, news broadcasts, and official documents. If a news anchor is talking about the area around a train station, they will say 駅の周辺 (eki no shuuhen). If you are chatting with a friend, you will say 駅の周り (eki no mawari). They mean exactly the same thing geographically, but the register is different.

周辺 (Shuuhen): Formal, academic, or journalistic equivalent of 'mawari'. Used for geographic areas and official descriptions.

Another formal synonym is 周囲 (shuui). This word focuses heavily on the perimeter or the circumference of an object, or the immediate environment. You might see it in mathematics when calculating the circumference of a circle, or in formal descriptions of a person's social environment, like 周囲の状況 (shuui no joukyou - the surrounding situation). It feels slightly more rigid and boundary-focused than 'shuuhen'.

Sentence 周囲の状況をよく確認してください。

As mentioned in the common mistakes section, 近く (chikaku) is often confused with 'mawari'. 'Chikaku' simply means 'near' or 'close'. If you want to say 'There is a park near my house', you say 家の近くに公園がある (ie no chikaku ni kouen ga aru). If you say 家の周りに公園がある (ie no mawari ni kouen ga aru), it implies your house is completely surrounded by parks, which is unlikely. Use 'chikaku' for general proximity.

近く (Chikaku): Means 'near'. Use this when you just want to express short distance, without the nuance of encircling.

Then there is 辺り (atari), which translates to 'vicinity' or 'around here'. It is vaguer than 'mawari'. この辺り (kono atari) means 'this general area'. You use it when you don't have a specific central point in mind, or when the boundary is blurry. For example, この辺りに美味しいレストランはありますか (Is there a good restaurant around here?).

Sentence この辺りは昔、海でした。

Another useful word is そば (soba), which means 'right next to' or 'close beside'. It implies a much closer, almost intimate proximity than 'chikaku' or 'mawari'. 私のそばにいて (watashi no soba ni ite) means 'stay by my side'. You wouldn't use 'mawari' here unless you wanted a group of people to form a circle around you.

そば (Soba): Means 'beside' or 'close to'. Implies immediate physical proximity, often with an emotional nuance.

Sentence 窓のそばに座る。

Sentence 家の近くのスーパーで買い物をする。

By understanding the subtle differences between 周り, 周辺, 周囲, 近く, 辺り, and そば, you can choose the exact right word for the situation. 'Mawari' remains your go-to word for everyday descriptions of things encircling a central point, both physically and socially.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"駅周辺の再開発が進行中です。"

Neutral

"駅の周りに新しいお店ができました。"

Informal

"駅の周り、なんか新しい店できたよね。"

Child friendly

"おうちのまわりで、あそぼう！"

Jerga

"周りの目とかマジどうでもいいし。"

Dato curioso

The kanji 周 is also used in the word 一周 (isshuu), meaning 'one lap'. In ancient times, measuring the 'mawari' of a piece of land was a crucial part of taxation and agriculture. The concept of a circle or a cycle is deeply embedded in Japanese culture, from the seasons to social harmony.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /no ma.wa.ɾi/

US /no mɑ.wɑ.ri/

Pitch accent: no (low) - ma (high) - wa (high) - ri (high).

Rima con

ka-wa-ri (代わり - substitute) o-wa-ri (終わり - end) ma-tsu-ri (祭り - festival) ku-su-ri (薬 - medicine) to-na-ri (隣 - next to) hi-da-ri (左 - left) ku-da-ri (下り - going down) fu-ta-ri (二人 - two people)

Errores comunes

Pronouncing the 'r' as a hard English 'r'. It should be a light tap of the tongue behind the upper teeth.
Elongating the vowels (saying 'maawaarii'). Keep them short.
Forgetting the particle 'no' when connecting it to a noun.
Putting stress on the first syllable like in English. Japanese uses pitch, not stress.
Confusing the pitch accent with 'mawari' (turning), which can sometimes differ in regional dialects.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 2/5

The kanji 周 is N3 level, but the word is often written in hiragana (まわり) in casual texts.

Escritura 3/5

Remembering to use the particle 'no' and choosing the correct following particle (ni, de, wo) takes practice.

Expresión oral 2/5

Easy to pronounce. The challenge is remembering not to use it when you just mean 'near'.

Escucha 1/5

Very common and easy to catch in conversation.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

の (no) 前 (mae) 後ろ (ushiro) 中 (naka) 近く (chikaku)

Aprende después

周辺 (shuuhen) 周囲 (shuui) 辺り (atari) そば (soba) 隣 (tonari)

Avanzado

界隈 (kaiwai) 近辺 (kinpen) 周縁 (shuuen) 取り囲む (torikakomu) 包囲 (houi)

Gramática que debes saber

Noun + の + Spatial Noun

机の上 (Top of the desk), 家の周り (Around the house)

Particle に for Existence

公園の周りに木がある (There are trees around the park)

Particle で for Action Location

火の周りで踊る (Dance around the fire)

Particle を for Motion Path

池の周りを走る (Run around the pond)

Double Particle (からの/への)

周りからのプレッシャー (Pressure from surroundings)

Ejemplos por nivel

家の周りに木があります。

There are trees around the house.

Noun + の + 周り + に + あります (existence).

テーブルの周りに椅子があります。

There are chairs around the table.

Using に for static location.

駅の周りは明るいです。

The area around the station is bright.

Using は to make 'the surroundings' the topic.

池の周りを歩きます。

I walk around the pond.

Using を with a motion verb (歩く).

学校の周りは静かです。

It is quiet around the school.

Describing the state of the surroundings.

パソコンの周りをきれいにします。

I will clean around the computer.

Using を with an action verb (きれいにする).

ホテルの周りに何がありますか。

What is around the hotel?

Asking a question about the surroundings.

犬が私の周りを走ります。

The dog runs around me.

Using 私の周り (around me).

公園の周りをジョギングしました。

I jogged around the park.

Past tense motion with を.

火の周りでダンスをしました。

We danced around the fire.

Using で for an action happening in that area.

目の周りが痛いです。

It hurts around my eyes.

Using が to mark the subject of the pain.

首の周りにマフラーを巻きます。

I wrap a scarf around my neck.

Specific physical action on a body part.

地球の周りを月が回っています。

The moon revolves around the earth.

Scientific fact using 回る (to revolve).

お皿の周りにソースをかけます。

I pour sauce around the plate.

Cooking instruction.

この周りにコンビニはありますか。

Is there a convenience store around here?

Using この周り (around this specific area).

先生の周りに子供たちが集まりました。

The children gathered around the teacher.

Using に with the destination verb 集まる (gather).

周りの人に親切にしましょう。

Let's be kind to the people around us.

Abstract use: 周りの人 (people around).

周りの目を気にしすぎないで。

Don't worry too much about what others think.

Idiom: 周りの目を気にする (worry about others' eyes).

彼は周りの意見をよく聞きます。

He listens well to the opinions of those around him.

Social context: 周りの意見 (opinions of others).

周りに迷惑をかけないように気をつけてください。

Please be careful not to cause trouble for those around you.

Social rule: 迷惑をかける (cause trouble).

最近、周りの友達が結婚し始めました。

Recently, friends around me have started getting married.

Describing a trend in one's social circle.

仕事の周りの環境がとても良いです。

The environment surrounding my work is very good.

Using 周り to mean 'circumstances/environment'.

傷の周りが赤く腫れています。

The area around the wound is red and swollen.

Medical description.

カメラの周りの部品を掃除する。

Clean the parts around the camera lens.

Technical/mechanical description.

身の回りのことは自分でしなさい。

Take care of your own personal matters yourself.

Idiom: 身の回り (personal belongings/affairs).

水周りの掃除は面倒くさいです。

Cleaning the plumbing areas (kitchen/bath) is a hassle.

Compound noun: 水周り (mizu-mawari).

彼は周りの状況を見て判断した。

He judged the situation by looking at his surroundings.

Abstract situational awareness.

周りの期待が大きすぎてプレッシャーを感じる。

The expectations of those around me are too high, and I feel pressure.

Discussing social pressure.

そのニュースはあっという間に周りに広まった。

That news spread to the surroundings (everyone) in an instant.

Using 周り to mean 'the general public/community'.

自分の周りに壁を作らないで。

Don't build a wall around yourself.

Metaphorical use of 周り.

駅の周りは再開発で大きく変わった。

The area around the station has changed greatly due to redevelopment.

Urban development context.

周りに流されず、自分の意見を持つべきだ。

You shouldn't be swept along by others; you should have your own opinion.

Advanced social idiom: 周りに流される.

彼の発言は周囲の反感を買った。

His remarks provoked the antipathy of those around him.

Using the formal synonym 周囲 (shuui).

事件の周辺事情を詳しく調査する。

Investigate the surrounding circumstances of the incident in detail.

Using the formal synonym 周辺 (shuuhen) for circumstances.

彼女は常に周りへの気配りを忘れない。

She never forgets to be considerate of those around her.

Advanced social concept: 気配り (consideration).

核心に触れず、問題の周りをぐるぐる回っているだけだ。

We are just going around in circles around the issue without touching the core.

Metaphorical idiom for 'beating around the bush'.

身の回りの整理整頓が心の落ち着きにつながる。

Organizing one's personal surroundings leads to peace of mind.

Philosophical/lifestyle context.

あの企業は水周りの設備に強みを持っている。

That company has a strong point in plumbing equipment.

Business/industry terminology.

周りの空気を読んで、発言を控えた。

I read the room and refrained from speaking.

Combining with 空気を読む (read the room).

太陽系の周りを無数の彗星が飛んでいる。

Countless comets are flying around the solar system.

Advanced scientific context.

彼は周縁化された人々の声に耳を傾けた。

He listened to the voices of marginalized people.

Using the highly advanced term 周縁 (shuuen - periphery).

周囲の喧騒をよそに、彼は読書に没頭していた。

Oblivious to the surrounding hustle and bustle, he was immersed in reading.

Literary phrasing: 周囲の喧騒 (surrounding noise).

その法案は、周辺諸国との関係に微妙な影を落とした。

The bill cast a subtle shadow on relations with neighboring countries.

Geopolitical context: 周辺諸国 (neighboring countries).

自己と周りとの境界線が曖昧になる感覚に陥った。

I fell into a sensation where the boundary between myself and my surroundings became ambiguous.

Psychological/philosophical context.

身の回りの世話を焼くのも、時としてお節介になり得る。

Taking care of someone's personal affairs can sometimes become meddlesome.

Nuanced social commentary.

事態の周辺をうろつくばかりで、一向に埒が明かない。

Just hovering around the periphery of the situation, no progress is being made at all.

Advanced idiomatic usage.

彼の才能は、周りの凡庸さを際立たせる結果となった。

His talent resulted in highlighting the mediocrity of those around him.

Literary critique style.

都市の周辺部における過疎化が深刻な問題となっている。

Depopulation in the peripheral areas of the city has become a serious problem.

Academic/sociological context.

Colocaciones comunes

周りの人

周りの目

身の回り

水周り

目の周り

周りを見る

周りに迷惑をかける

周りに流される

周りの環境

周りの期待

Frases Comunes

周りが見えない

周りを気にする

周りから浮く

周りを固める

周りに合わせる

周りを巻き込む

周りを見渡す

周りがうるさい

周りのサポート

周りから固める

Se confunde a menudo con

〜の周り vs 近く (chikaku)

Chikaku means 'near'. Mawari means 'around/encircling'. Don't use mawari just to say something is a short distance away.

〜の周り vs 辺り (atari)

Atari means 'vicinity' or 'this general area'. It is vaguer than mawari, which implies a specific perimeter around a central object.

〜の周り vs そば (soba)

Soba means 'beside' or 'close to'. It implies immediate physical adjacency, often with an emotional connection, unlike the neutral 'mawari'.

Modismos y expresiones

"身の回り"

One's personal belongings, daily affairs, or immediate personal space.

身の回りの整理をする。

Neutral

"水周り"

The areas of a house that use water, such as the kitchen, bathroom, and toilet.

水周りのリフォームをする。

Neutral/Business

"根回し"

Laying the groundwork; behind-the-scenes maneuvering (literally: digging around the roots). Uses the kanji for mawari.

会議の前に根回しをしておく。

Business

"遠回り"

Taking a detour; going the long way around.

工事のため遠回りをした。

Neutral

"回り道"

A detour. Similar to toomawari.

人生の回り道をする。

Neutral/Literary

"空回り"

Spinning one's wheels; trying hard but getting no results.

彼の努力は空回りしている。

Neutral

"一回り"

One size larger/smaller; one full cycle (like 12 years in the zodiac).

彼は私より一回り年上だ。

Neutral

"見て回る"

To look around (a place); to browse.

お店を見て回る。

Neutral

"歩き回る"

To walk around aimlessly or extensively.

一日中町を歩き回った。

Neutral

"逃げ回る"

To run around trying to escape; to evade.

責任から逃げ回る。

Neutral

Fácil de confundir

〜の周り vs 回る (mawaru)

It is the verb form of mawari.

Mawari is a noun meaning 'surroundings'. Mawaru is a verb meaning 'to turn' or 'to revolve'.

地球が回る (The earth turns) vs 地球の周り (Around the earth).

〜の周り vs 周辺 (shuuhen)

It means the exact same thing geographically.

Shuuhen is a formal, Sino-Japanese word used in news and writing. Mawari is a native Japanese word used in daily speaking.

駅の周辺 (Formal) vs 駅の周り (Casual).

〜の周り vs 中 (naka)

Learners confuse 'in' and 'around' when giving directions.

Naka is strictly inside the boundaries. Mawari is strictly outside the boundaries, encircling it.

公園の中 (Inside the park) vs 公園の周り (Around the park).

〜の周り vs 回り (mawari)

Same pronunciation, different kanji.

周り refers to surroundings/space. 回り refers to the action of turning, or a size/cycle (e.g., 一回り). Often used interchangeably in casual writing, but 周り is correct for space.

家の周り (Space) vs 時計回り (Clockwise turning).

〜の周り vs 隣 (tonari)

Both describe location relative to something else.

Tonari means 'next to' (usually of the same category, like next-door neighbor). Mawari means all the way around.

隣の家 (The house next door) vs 家の周り (Around the house).

Patrones de oraciones

[Noun A] の周りに [Noun B] があります。

家の周りに花があります。

[Noun] の周りで [Verb - Action]。

木の周りで遊びます。

[Noun] の周りを [Verb - Motion]。

公園の周りを走ります。

周りの [Noun] が [Verb]。

周りの人が笑いました。

[Noun] の周りは [Adjective] です。

駅の周りは便利です。

周りに [Verb - Influence] ない。

周りに流されない。

身の回りの [Noun]。

身の回りの世話をする。

[Noun] の周りをぐるぐる回る。

問題の周りをぐるぐる回る。

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

Verbos

Relacionado

Cómo usarlo

frequency

Extremely High. Top 500 most common words in spoken Japanese.

Errores comunes

駅の周りに住んでいます。 → 駅の近くに住んでいます。
Using 'mawari' to mean 'near'. 'Mawari' means encircling. You don't live in a circle around the station; you live near it ('chikaku').
公園の周りに走る。 → 公園の周りを走る。
Using 'ni' with a motion verb that traces a path. When moving around a perimeter, you must use 'wo' (を).
テーブル周りに椅子がある。 → テーブルの周りに椅子がある。
Forgetting the particle 'no'. 'Mawari' is a noun, so it must be connected to 'table' with 'no'.
この周りにレストランはありますか。 → この辺りにレストランはありますか。
While 'kono mawari' is sometimes understood, 'kono atari' (this vicinity) is much more natural when asking for general locations without a specific central object.
時計の周り。 → 時計回り。
Confusing the kanji and meaning. If you mean 'clockwise' (the action of turning), it is 時計回り (tokei-mawari), not 周り.

Consejos

Always use 'no'

Never forget that 'mawari' is a noun. You must connect it to the central object with 'no'. It is 'Ie NO mawari', not just 'Ie mawari'.

Mawari vs Chikaku

If you just mean 'near', use 'chikaku'. Only use 'mawari' if you mean the perimeter or the space completely encircling the object.

Reading the Room

When talking about 'mawari no hito' (people around), remember it carries a cultural weight of social expectation and harmony. It's not just a physical description of bodies in a room.

Motion = Wo

If you are running, walking, or flying in a circle around something, always use the particle 'wo' (を). 公園の周りを走る。

Existence = Ni

If an object is just sitting in the surrounding area, use 'ni' (に). 家の周りに木がある。

Kanji Choice

Use 周り for surroundings and space. Use 回り for turning actions (like 時計回り - clockwise).

Minomawari

Learn the phrase 'mi no mawari' (身の回り). It means personal belongings or daily affairs. It's incredibly common in daily life.

Catching 'Shuuhen'

When watching Japanese news, listen for 'shuuhen' instead of 'mawari'. It will instantly boost your formal listening comprehension.

Expressing Pressure

Use 'Mawari ga...' to express that society or your peers are pressuring you. It sounds very native. 'Mawari ga urusai' (People around me are nagging).

Not Inside

Remember that 'mawari' strictly means the outside perimeter. If you are inside the park, you are in 'naka', not 'mawari'.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Imagine a wizard saying 'NO MAGIC' (no mawari) allowed AROUND the circle.

Asociación visual

Picture a glowing, magical circle drawn AROUND a house. The house is the center, and the glowing line is the 'mawari'.

Word Web

Center Object Particle の周り (mawari) Particle に (exist) Particle で (action) Particle を (motion) 周りの人 (people) 身の回り (personal)

Desafío

Go to the center of your room. Point to three objects and say '[Object] no mawari ni [what is around it] ga arimasu'. For example, 'Teeburu no mawari ni isu ga arimasu'.

Origen de la palabra

The word 周り (mawari) is the noun form of the native Japanese verb 回る/周る (mawaru), which means 'to turn', 'to revolve', or 'to go around'. The kanji 周 (shuu/mawa) originally depicted a field divided into grids, implying a complete, enclosed area or a full cycle.

Significado original: A complete revolution or the act of turning. It evolved to mean the space created by that turning motion—the perimeter or surroundings.

Japonic (Native Japanese / Wago)

Contexto cultural

When referring to 'mawari no hito' (people around), be aware that it can imply peer pressure. Using it to justify an action ('Because everyone around me is doing it') is common but can sometimes sound like a lack of personal responsibility.

English speakers tend to use 'around' loosely to mean 'near' (e.g., 'I'm around the corner'). In Japanese, 'mawari' is strictly the perimeter or the encircling space. For 'near', Japanese uses 'chikaku'.

The Ghibli movie 'My Neighbor Totoro' features children exploring the 'mawari' of their new countryside home. The common Japanese proverb '人の振り見て我が振り直せ' (Watch others' behavior and correct your own) relies heavily on observing one's 'mawari'. In Japanese business, 'Nemawashi' (digging around the roots) is the essential practice of quietly gathering support from your 'mawari' before a formal meeting.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Giving Directions

駅の周り
この周り
周りを探す
周りを見る

Describing a Room/House

テーブルの周り
家の周り
水周り
周りを片付ける

Social Situations

周りの人
周りの目
周りに合わせる
周りを気にする

Health and Body

目の周り
口の周り
首の周り
傷の周り

Exercise and Motion

公園の周りを走る
池の周りを歩く
周りを回る
周りを見渡す

Inicios de conversación

"この周りで美味しいレストランを知っていますか？ (Do you know any good restaurants around here?)"

"家の周りは静かですか、それとも賑やかですか？ (Is it quiet or busy around your house?)"

"周りの友達はどんな人が多いですか？ (What kind of people are your friends around you?)"

"最近、周りで何か面白いニュースはありましたか？ (Has there been any interesting news around you lately?)"

"仕事中、周りの音は気になりますか？ (Do you mind the surrounding noise while working?)"

Temas para diario

Describe the area around your house in detail. What can you see? (家の周りについて書いてください。)

Write about a time you felt pressure from the people around you. (周りのプレッシャーを感じた時のことを書いてください。)

If you could change the environment around your workplace or school, what would you change? (職場や学校の周りの環境を変えられるなら、どうしますか。)

Describe the items currently around your computer or desk. (今、机の周りにあるものを描写してください。)

Reflect on the Japanese concept of 'reading the room' (周りの空気を読む). Do you think it is a good thing? (周りの空気を読むことについてどう思いますか。)

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

No, that sounds unnatural in Japanese. 'Kono mawari ni sunde imasu' implies you live in a circle surrounding the area. Instead, use 'Kono chikaku ni sunde imasu' (I live near here) or 'Kono atari ni sunde imasu' (I live in this vicinity).

They mean the same thing geographically, but 'shuuhen' (周辺) is a formal word used in news, business, and writing. 'Mawari' (周り) is the everyday word you use when speaking with friends or family.

Both 周り and 回り come from the same root concept of turning/circling. However, strictly speaking, 周り is used for spatial surroundings (around the house), while 回り is used for the action of turning (clockwise) or cycles. In casual writing, native speakers sometimes mix them up.

Use 'ni' if something just exists there (There is a tree around the house). Use 'de' if an action is happening in that spot (Playing around the tree). Use 'wo' if the action is a movement that traces the circle (Running around the park).

It literally translates to 'the eyes of the surroundings', but it is an idiom meaning 'what other people think' or 'public scrutiny'. If someone says 'Mawari no me o ki ni suru', they are worrying about society's judgment.

Not usually. You wouldn't say 'around 3 o'clock' using mawari. For time, you use 'goro' (3時ごろ) or 'yaku' (約3時間). Mawari is for physical space and social environments.

Yes, when connecting it to a noun. Because 'mawari' is a noun itself, you must use 'no' to link them. 'Teeburu no mawari' (Around the table). The only exceptions are specific compound words like 'mizumawari'.

You don't usually use 'mawari' for this. 'Around the world' is usually translated as 'Sekai-juu' (世界中 - throughout the world) or 'Sekai isshuu' (世界一周 - one trip around the world).

It can mean two things depending on context. Literally, it means 'The surroundings are noisy' (like construction outside). Metaphorically, it means 'The people around me are complaining/nagging me' (like parents telling you to get married).

No, Japanese does not have prepositions. 'Mawari' is a spatial noun. In English, 'around' is a preposition. In Japanese, you are literally saying 'The table's surroundings' (Teeburu no mawari).

Ponte a prueba 200 preguntas

writing

Translate: Around the house.

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

Ie no mawari.