Esta página en tu idioma

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A2 verb 10 min de lectura

囲む

kakomu

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos 囲む en 30 segundos

Explicación 囲む in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 'kakomu' as a simple action word. Think of it as 'making a circle.' You might use it when you are playing with friends and want everyone to sit in a circle, or when you are drawing. The most important thing to remember is the basic structure: [Something] wo [Something] de kakomu (Surround [Something] with [Something]). Even at this early stage, you can understand the phrase 'Maru de kakomu' (Circle with a circle) which teachers use often. Don't worry about complex grammar yet; just focus on the physical act of being around something. Imagine four friends standing around a birthday cake—that is 'kakomu'. It is a helpful word for describing simple pictures or classroom activities. You should also recognize the kanji '囲', which looks like a box, helping you remember the meaning of enclosure.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'kakomu' in daily social contexts. The most vital phrase to learn is 'shokutaku wo kakomu' (to sit around the dining table). This is a very common way to describe having a meal with family or friends. You should also start using the 'te-form' (kakonde) to describe how people are arranged. For example, 'Kodomo ga te-bukuro wo kakonde iru' (The children are surrounding the gloves—perhaps looking at them). You will also encounter the passive form 'kakomareru' for the first time, usually in simple descriptions of nature, such as a house surrounded by trees (ki ni kakomareta ie). At this level, focus on these two main areas: social dining and basic environmental descriptions. You are moving beyond just 'drawing circles' to describing real-life situations and the world around you.

At the B1 level, you should become comfortable with the passive voice 'kakomareru' in more varied contexts. You will use it to describe being surrounded by people, such as 'shinsetsu na hitobito ni kakomarete' (surrounded by kind people). This reflects a transition from purely physical descriptions to more emotional or social ones. You should also be able to distinguish 'kakomu' from its more intense cousin 'torikakomu'. You will start seeing 'kakomu' in reading passages about Japanese culture, particularly regarding how traditional houses are built or how community events are held. Your understanding of the word should now include the nuance of 'atmosphere'—being surrounded by a certain feeling or environment. You might also see it used in simple news stories or weather reports, describing how a high-pressure system might surround an area.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'kakomu' and its related forms in abstract and professional contexts. You will encounter it in discussions about urban planning (surrounding green spaces), sociology (social circles surrounding an individual), and more complex literature. You should be able to use the word to describe metaphorical encirclement, such as being surrounded by difficulties or being at the center of a controversy (mondai ni kakomareru). You will also learn more formal synonyms like 'houi suru' and 'torimaku'. At this stage, you should understand the subtle differences in register; for example, using 'kakomu' in a speech about family values versus using 'houi' in a historical essay. You should also be able to use the word to describe complex spatial arrangements in technical or descriptive writing, such as how a certain chemical structure surrounds a nucleus.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

At the C1 level, your use of 'kakomu' should be nuanced and precise. you will see it in high-level literature where it might describe being 'surrounded by the passage of time' or other poetic metaphors. You should understand the historical development of the word and its kanji, and how it relates to other 'enclosure' words like 'kakou' or 'fujiru'. In professional settings, you might use it to describe strategic market positioning or the 'surrounding' factors of a complex legal case. You will be able to appreciate the word's use in classical Japanese or formal rhetoric, where it can imply protection, isolation, or even entrapment depending on the stylistic choice. You should also be adept at using the causative-passive or other complex conjugations if the context demands, though they remain rare.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

At the C2 level, 'kakomu' is a tool for stylistic mastery. You can use it to evoke specific cultural imagery, such as the 'irori wo kakomu' (sitting around the traditional hearth), with all its historical and emotional weight. You understand the word's place in the vast web of Japanese vocabulary, including its relationship to archaic terms and specialized jargon in fields like architecture, military history, and philosophy. You can use 'kakomu' to create sophisticated imagery in your own writing, playing with the tension between the physical and the metaphysical. You are also fully aware of the social implications of the word—how 'surrounding' someone can be an act of love, an act of protection, or an act of aggression, and you can manipulate these nuances with ease in both spoken and written Japanese.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

囲む en 30 segundos

A transitive verb meaning to surround, encircle, or enclose physically or socially.
Commonly used for sitting around a table (shokutaku wo kakomu) or circling answers.
Frequently appears in the passive form 'kakomareru' to describe landscapes or states.
Essential for describing spatial arrangements and communal activities in Japanese culture.

The Japanese verb 囲む (kakomu) is a fundamental word that primarily translates to "to surround," "to enclose," or "to encircle." In the context of Japanese culture and daily life, it carries a sense of physical arrangement where multiple entities are positioned around a central point. While its most basic application involves physical objects, it evolves into a beautiful metaphor for social connection and environmental description. When you use this word, you are describing a state of being enveloped or the action of placing things in a circular or protective formation. It is a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object—the thing being surrounded—marked by the particle を (wo).

Physical Enclosure: This is the most literal use. It describes building a fence around a garden, drawing a circle around a word on a test, or a moat surrounding a castle. It implies a complete or near-complete boundary being established. For example, in a classroom, a teacher might say 'Maru de kakonde kudasai' (Please circle it with a circle).

庭を高い塀で囲む。 (Niwa wo takai hei de kakomu.) - To surround the garden with a high wall.

Social Gathering: One of the most culturally significant uses of 'kakomu' is in the phrase 'shokutaku wo kakomu' (to sit around the dining table). This doesn't just mean sitting; it evokes a feeling of family unity, warmth, and shared experience. It suggests that the act of eating together creates a safe, enclosed space for conversation and bonding.

家族で食卓を囲む時間は大切です。 (Kazoku de shokutaku wo kakomu jikan wa taisetsu desu.) - The time spent with family around the dinner table is important.

Environmental Context: In geography, this verb describes how cities are nestled within mountains or how islands are surrounded by the sea. It paints a picture of being protected or isolated by natural barriers. It is often used in the passive form 'kakomareru' (to be surrounded) in these contexts to emphasize the state of the subject.

その町は美しい山々に囲まれている。 (Sono machi wa utsukushii yamayama ni kakomarete iru.) - That town is surrounded by beautiful mountains.

In summary, 'kakomu' is not just a spatial term but a word that conveys the essence of boundaries, whether they are physical walls, social circles, or natural landscapes. It is a versatile verb that bridges the gap between architectural description and emotional connection. Understanding 'kakomu' allows you to describe everything from a tactical maneuver in a game of Go to the comforting feeling of being surrounded by friends at a party.

Using 囲む (kakomu) correctly requires an understanding of its transitive nature and its common grammatical patterns. Since it is a Group 1 (Godan) verb, its conjugations follow standard patterns (kakomimasu, kakonde, kakomanai). The most common structure is [A] ga [B] wo [C] de kakomu, which means '[A] surrounds [B] with [C].' However, in many cases, the agent [A] is omitted or implied by the context.

子供たちが先生を囲んで座っている。 (Kodomotachi ga sensei wo kakonde swatte iru.) - The children are sitting, surrounding the teacher.

In this sentence, 'kakonde' is the te-form, used here to describe the manner in which the children are sitting. They aren't just sitting; they are sitting in a circle around the teacher. This 'te-form + verb' structure is very common for describing arrangements.

The Passive Form: 囲まれる (Kakomareru): The passive form is perhaps even more frequent in daily conversation, especially when describing landscapes or social situations. It shifts the focus to the entity that is being surrounded. The agent or the surrounding elements are marked with the particle に (ni).

彼は多くの友人に囲まれて幸せそうだ。 (Kare wa ooku no yuujin ni kakomarete shiawase sou da.) - He looks happy, surrounded by many friends.

Common Direct Objects: You will frequently see 'kakomu' paired with objects like 食卓 (shokutaku - dining table), 焚き火 (takibi - campfire), 鍋 (nabe - hot pot), and 地図 (chizu - map, when circling a location). Each of these pairings implies a specific social or functional activity.

焚き火を囲んで歌を歌いましょう。 (Takibi wo kakonde uta wo utaimashou.) - Let's sing songs while surrounding the campfire.

Furthermore, 'kakomu' can be used in more abstract or negative contexts, such as being surrounded by enemies (teki ni kakomareru) or being surrounded by problems (mondai ni kakomareru). In these cases, the word emphasizes a feeling of being trapped or overwhelmed. Whether positive or negative, the core concept remains the same: a central subject with multiple forces or entities existing all around it. By mastering the distinction between the active 'kakomu' (to surround) and the passive 'kakomareru' (to be surrounded), you gain a powerful tool for describing spatial and social relationships in Japanese.

You will encounter 囲む (kakomu) in a wide variety of real-world Japanese settings, ranging from the domestic sphere to professional news reporting. Its frequency in daily life makes it an essential part of an A2 learner's vocabulary. One of the most common places to hear it is in the home, particularly during meal times. Parents might tell their children to 'come and surround the table,' signaling that dinner is ready. This usage emphasizes the communal nature of Japanese dining.

「みんな、テーブルを囲んで座ってね。」 (Minna, teeburu wo kakonde swatte ne.) - "Everyone, please sit around the table."

In educational settings, teachers use this word constantly. When giving instructions for a worksheet or a test, they will say 'Tadashii kotae wo maru de kakonde kudasai' (Please circle the correct answer with a circle). Here, 'kakomu' specifically refers to the act of drawing a line around something to highlight or select it.

News and Media: In news broadcasts, 'kakomu' is often used in more serious contexts. You might hear it when reporters describe police surrounding a building during an investigation, or when discussing international relations where a country feels 'surrounded' by hostile neighbors. It is also used in sports, specifically in games like Go (Igo), where the objective is to surround the opponent's pieces with your own.

警察が犯人の家を囲んでいます。 (Keisatsu ga hannin no ie wo kakonde imasu.) - The police are surrounding the suspect's house.

Travel and Tourism: If you watch Japanese travel shows or read guidebooks, you will see 'kakomu' used to describe the geography of famous spots. Japan being an archipelago, the phrase 'umi ni kakomareta kuni' (a country surrounded by the sea) is a point of national identity often mentioned in cultural documentaries.

日本は海に囲まれた島国です。 (Nihon wa umi ni kakomareta shimaguni desu.) - Japan is an island nation surrounded by the sea.

Finally, in literature and poetry, 'kakomu' can describe being surrounded by silence, light, or even the scent of flowers. It adds a layer of immersion to the writing. Whether you are listening to a casual conversation at a cafe or a formal news report, 'kakomu' is a word that helps you visualize the spatial arrangement of the world around you.

While 囲む (kakomu) is relatively straightforward, English speakers often encounter a few pitfalls, primarily concerning particle usage and confusion with similar-looking or similar-meaning verbs. The most common mistake involves the particles を (wo) and に (ni). Remember: in the active voice, the thing being surrounded is 'wo'. In the passive voice, the things doing the surrounding are 'ni'.

Mistake 1: Confusing Kakomu with Kakou (囲う): Both verbs use the same kanji (囲), but they have different nuances. 'Kakomu' (囲む) is the general word for surrounding. 'Kakou' (囲う), however, often implies 'enclosing' for the purpose of protection, storage, or keeping something hidden. For example, you 'kakou' firewood to keep it dry, or you 'kakou' a yard with a fence specifically to keep people out. Using 'kakou' when you simply mean 'sitting around a table' sounds very unnatural.

❌ 家族で食卓を囲う。 (Incorrect)
✅ 家族で食卓を囲む。 (Correct)

Mistake 2: Mixing up Kakomu and Tsutsumu (包む): 'Tsutsumu' means 'to wrap' or 'to envelop.' While both involve being covered, 'tsutsumu' usually implies being completely covered on all sides, often with a material like paper or cloth. 'Kakomu' is more about the perimeter. You surround a city (kakomu), but you wrap a present (tsutsumu). If you say you are 'surrounded by fog,' you can use both, but 'tsutsumu' emphasizes being inside the fog, while 'kakomu' emphasizes the fog being all around you.

Mistake 3: Over-using the Passive Voice: English speakers often say 'I am surrounded by...' using the passive. While 'kakomarete iru' is correct, Japanese speakers often prefer active constructions or different verbs depending on the nuance. For instance, if you want to say you are busy with work, don't say 'I am surrounded by work' using 'kakomu'; instead, use 'shigoto ni owarete iru' (being chased by work).

❌ 仕事に囲まれている。 (Sounds like work is physically standing around you)
✅ 仕事に追われている。 (Correct for being busy)

Lastly, be careful with the potential form 'kakomeru'. It is rarely used compared to the standard forms. Stick to the dictionary form or the passive 'kakomareru' for most descriptions. By avoiding these common errors, your Japanese will sound much more natural and precise.

Japanese has several words that overlap with 囲む (kakomu), each with its own specific register and nuance. Knowing which one to choose will elevate your Japanese from basic to advanced levels.

取り囲む (Torikakomu): This is a more intense version of 'kakomu'. The prefix 'tori-' adds a sense of active gathering or 'taking' a position around something. It is often used in news reports for police surrounding a suspect or fans swarming a celebrity. It implies a tighter, more deliberate encirclement than the neutral 'kakomu'.

ファンがスターを取り囲んだ。 (Fan ga sutaa wo torikakonda.) - Fans surrounded (swarmed) the star.

包囲する (Houi suru): This is a formal, Sino-Japanese (Kango) compound. It is primarily used in military or police contexts to mean 'to besiege' or 'to lay siege to.' You will see this in history books or news headlines. It is not used for social situations like dining.

軍隊が城を包囲した。 (Guntai ga shiro wo houi shita.) - The army besieged the castle.

巻く (Maku): 'Maku' means 'to wind' or 'to roll.' While it involves going around something, it usually implies a spiral or a physical material being wrapped around a core (like a scarf around a neck). Use 'maku' for scarves and bandages, but 'kakomu' for people standing in a circle.

巡る (Meguru): 'Meguru' means 'to go around' or 'to circulate.' It is often used for traveling around a country or for a topic of discussion (e.g., 'a dispute concerning/surrounding the budget'). It is more abstract and movement-oriented than the static 'kakomu'.

When choosing between these, ask yourself: Is this a casual social situation? (Use 'kakomu'). Is it a serious news event? (Use 'torikakomu' or 'houi suru'). Is it a physical winding motion? (Use 'maku'). Is it a metaphorical 'surrounding' a topic? (Use 'meguru'). By differentiating these synonyms, you show a deep understanding of Japanese nuance.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The kanji for 'Go' (囲碁) literally means 'surrounding board game' because the goal is to surround your opponent's territory. This shows how central the concept of 'kakomu' is to one of Japan's most famous traditional games.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /kəˈkoʊ.muː/

US /kɑːˈkoʊ.muː/

The pitch accent is typically Heiban (Flat), meaning the pitch starts low and rises, staying high for the rest of the word: ka-KO-MU.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 2/5

The kanji is common but distinct. The reading is regular.

Escritura 3/5

The kanji 囲 requires attention to the stroke order of the enclosure radical.

Expresión oral 2/5

A very common verb with simple conjugations.

Escucha 2/5

Easily recognizable in common phrases like 'shokutaku wo kakomu'.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

丸 (Maru) 外 (Soto) 中 (Naka) 座る (Suwaru) 食べる (Taberu)

Aprende después

包む (Tsutsumu) 巡る (Meguru) 範囲 (Hanni) 周囲 (Shuui) 捕まえる (Tsukamaeru)

Avanzado

包囲 (Houi) 四面楚歌 (Shimensoka) 閉鎖 (Heisa) 隔離 (Kakuri)

Gramática que debes saber

Transitive Verbs (を)

庭を囲む (Surround the garden).

Passive Voice (に)

山に囲まれる (To be surrounded by mountains).

Te-form for Manner

先生を囲んで座る (Sit surrounding the teacher).

Instrumental Particle (で)

壁で囲む (Surround with a wall).

Noun Modification

海に囲まれた国 (A country surrounded by the sea).

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

Ejemplos por nivel

まるをかこんでください。

Please circle the circle.

Simple imperative using the te-form + kudasai.

みんなでケーキをかこみます。

Everyone surrounds the cake.

Basic subject-object-verb structure.

いすをかこんでおきます。

Place the chairs in a circle.

Te-form + okimasu (preparation).

はこのなかをかこみます。

Surround the inside of the box.

Spatial description.

せんせいをかこんでください。

Please surround the teacher.

Direct object 'teacher' marked by 'wo'.

えをかこみます。

I will surround the picture.

Future/Present habitual tense.

てをつないでかこもう。

Let's hold hands and surround it.

Volitional form 'kakomou'.

おもちゃをかこんであそぶ。

Play while surrounding the toys.

Te-form used as a manner of action.

家族で食卓を囲んで夕食を食べた。

The family sat around the table and ate dinner.

Standard social usage of 'kakomu'.

この家は木に囲まれています。

This house is surrounded by trees.

Passive form 'kakomarete iru'.

正しい答えをまるで囲んでください。

Please circle the correct answer.

Common classroom instruction.

焚き火を囲んで話をしましょう。

Let's talk around the campfire.

Volitional form 'shimashou'.

庭をフェンスで囲みました。

I surrounded the garden with a fence.

Instrumental particle 'de' for the fence.

彼は子供たちに囲まれて笑っている。

He is laughing, surrounded by children.

Passive form describing a state.

地図の目的地をペンで囲んだ。

I circled the destination on the map with a pen.

Past tense 'kakonda'.

ストーブを囲んで温まりました。

We warmed up around the heater.

Te-form connecting two actions.

日本は四方を海に囲まれた国です。

Japan is a country surrounded on all four sides by the sea.

Passive modifier 'kakomareta' describing 'kuni'.

警察がビルを完全に取り囲んでいる。

The police have completely surrounded the building.

Compound verb 'torikakomu' for intensity.

彼女はいつも良い友人に囲まれている。

She is always surrounded by good friends.

Habitual state in the passive voice.

城の周りを堀が囲んでいます。

A moat surrounds the castle.

Describing architectural features.

問題をまるで囲んで、後で考えよう。

Let's circle the problems and think about them later.

Using 'kakomu' for organization.

美しい自然に囲まれて暮らしたい。

I want to live surrounded by beautiful nature.

Desiderative form 'tai' with passive 'kakomareru'.

観客がステージを囲むように立っている。

The audience is standing so as to surround the stage.

Grammar pattern '...you ni' (in such a way as to).

公園を高い壁で囲む計画がある。

There is a plan to surround the park with high walls.

Noun modification 'kakomu keikaku'.

その政治家は記者団に囲まれて質問攻めにあった。

The politician was surrounded by reporters and bombarded with questions.

Passive voice in a high-pressure social context.

村は険しい山々に囲まれ、冬は雪深い。

The village is surrounded by steep mountains and is snowy in winter.

Using 'kakomu' for geographical isolation.

このプロジェクトは多くの課題に囲まれている。

This project is surrounded by many challenges.

Metaphorical use for abstract concepts.

彼は自分の世界を壁で囲んで、他人を入れない。

He surrounds his world with walls and doesn't let others in.

Psychological/Metaphorical usage.

広場を囲むようにして、古い建物が並んでいる。

Old buildings are lined up as if to surround the square.

Adverbial usage 'kakomu you ni shite'.

敵に囲まれたが、なんとか脱出した。

We were surrounded by the enemy, but somehow escaped.

Military/Tactical context.

静寂に囲まれて、読書に没頭する。

Surrounded by silence, I immerse myself in reading.

Abstract direct object 'silence'.

新しいビルが古い寺を囲むように建てられた。

New buildings were built so as to surround the old temple.

Describing urban contrast.

その遺跡は、何世紀にもわたって深い密林に囲まれてきた。

The ruins have been surrounded by deep jungle for centuries.

Present perfect passive 'kakomarete kita'.

彼は常に秘書やボディーガードに囲まれて移動する。

He always moves while surrounded by secretaries and bodyguards.

Describing a professional entourage.

不祥事をめぐり、彼は厳しい世論に囲まれている。

Regarding the scandal, he is surrounded by harsh public opinion.

Abstract social pressure.

数式を括弧で囲むことで、計算の順序を明確にする。

By enclosing the formula in brackets, the order of calculation is made clear.

Technical/Mathematical usage.

古代の都市は、外敵から身を守るために堅固な城壁で囲まれていた。

Ancient cities were surrounded by solid walls to protect themselves from external enemies.

Historical description.

その島はサンゴ礁に囲まれ、多様な生態系を保持している。

The island is surrounded by coral reefs and maintains a diverse ecosystem.

Scientific/Environmental context.

現代人は、絶え間ない情報の波に囲まれて生活している。

Modern people live surrounded by a constant wave of information.

Metaphorical social commentary.

議論を囲む状況が、事態をより複雑にしている。

The circumstances surrounding the debate are making the situation more complex.

Abstract noun modification.

囲炉裏を囲んで語り合う、かつての日本の風景が失われつつある。

The scene of former Japan, where people talked while surrounding the hearth, is being lost.

Cultural nostalgia and complex sentence structure.

その哲学者は、孤独という名の壁に自らを囲んでしまった。

That philosopher ended up surrounding himself with a wall called solitude.

Deeply metaphorical and literary.

利権を囲い込む動きが、市場の健全な競争を妨げている。

The movement to enclose (monopolize) interests is hindering healthy market competition.

Using 'kakoikomu' (a compound) for economic monopoly.

神秘的な霧に囲まれたその山頂は、神々の住処と信じられていた。

The mountain peak, surrounded by mysterious mist, was believed to be the home of the gods.

Mythological/Literary tone.

都市の喧騒を離れ、静謐な空気に囲まれて瞑想に耽る。

Leaving the hustle and bustle of the city, I indulge in meditation surrounded by tranquil air.

Sophisticated vocabulary and imagery.

彼の生涯は常に謎に囲まれており、真相は誰にも分からない。

His life was always surrounded by mystery, and no one knows the truth.

Abstract state of being.

領土をめぐる紛争は、周辺諸国を巻き込み、緊張に囲まれている。

The conflict over territory involves neighboring countries and is surrounded by tension.

Geopolitical context.

万葉の歌人は、移ろう季節の彩りに囲まれて、その情景を詠んだ。

The poets of the Manyoshu composed their poems surrounded by the colors of the changing seasons.

Classical literary reference.

Colocaciones comunes

食卓を囲む

まるで囲む

海に囲まれる

焚き火を囲む

山に囲まれる

記者に囲まれる

フェンスで囲む

友人に囲まれる

鍋を囲む

謎に囲まれる

Frases Comunes

一卓を囲む

— To sit together at one table for a meal or a game. It emphasizes the shared space.

旧友と一卓を囲んで語り合った。

火を囲む

— To gather around a fire. Usually implies warmth and storytelling.

寒い夜、火を囲んで暖をとった。

碁を囲む

— To play the game of Go. The name of the game itself (囲碁) means 'surrounding board game'.

祖父と碁を囲むのが日課だ。

輪を囲む

— To form a circle around something. Often used in sports or group activities.

選手たちが監督の周りに輪を囲んだ。

四方を囲む

— To surround on all four sides. Implies complete enclosure.

四方を敵に囲まれて絶体絶命だ。

テレビを囲む

— To gather around the TV. A common family activity in the past.

昔は家族でテレビを囲んだものだ。

テーブルを囲む

— To sit around a table. A neutral version of 'shokutaku wo kakomu'.

会議室でテーブルを囲んで話し合う。

花壇を囲む

— To surround a flower bed, usually with stones or a small fence.

レンガで花壇を囲みました。

地図を囲む

— To gather around a map to plan a route or look at a location.

みんなで地図を囲んで相談した。

中心を囲む

— To surround the center. Used in technical or artistic descriptions.

円の中心を囲むように点を打つ。

Se confunde a menudo con

囲む vs 囲う (Kakou)

Kakou implies storage or protection; Kakomu is general surrounding.

囲む vs 包む (Tsutsumu)

Tsutsumu is wrapping/covering completely; Kakomu is about the perimeter.

囲む vs 巡る (Meguru)

Meguru is moving around or circulation; Kakomu is a static state or encirclement.

Modismos y expresiones

"食卓を囲む"

— To share a meal together as a family or group. It symbolizes harmony and unity.

家族全員で食卓を囲む時間は何よりの宝物だ。

Neutral

"膝を囲む"

— A variation of 'hiza wo majieru', meaning to sit close together and talk frankly.

恩師と膝を囲んで将来について語った。

Literary

"城を囲む"

— Literally to surround a castle, but often used metaphorically for a coordinated attack on a position.

ライバル会社が市場で我々の城を囲んでいる。

Formal

"謎に囲まれる"

— To be shrouded in mystery; for a situation or person to be completely unexplained.

その事件の真相は、今もなお深い謎に囲まれている。

Literary

"沈黙に囲まれる"

— To be in a situation where everything is silent, often implying tension or peace.

雪の降る夜、家の中は深い沈黙に囲まれていた。

Literary

"光に囲まれる"

— To be bathed in light; often used for divine or very happy scenes.

赤ん坊は家族の愛と光に囲まれて眠っていた。

Literary

"敵に囲まれる"

— To be in a situation with no escape; to be surrounded by hostile forces.

彼は四面楚歌、敵に囲まれた状態だ。

Neutral

"自然に囲まれる"

— To live in a place with lots of greenery and fresh air.

都会を離れ、自然に囲まれて余生を過ごしたい。

Neutral

"疑惑に囲まれる"

— To be the center of many suspicions or doubts.

その政治家は汚職の疑惑に囲まれている。

Formal

"期待に囲まれる"

— To be in a position where many people have high hopes for you.

新入社員は先輩たちの期待に囲まれて仕事を始めた。

Neutral

Fácil de confundir

囲む vs 取り囲む (Torikakomu)

They both mean to surround.

'Torikakomu' is more active, intense, and often implies a crowd or a deliberate action by many people. 'Kakomu' is more general and can be a natural state.

ファンが歌手を取り囲んだ (Fans swarmed the singer) vs 山が町を囲んでいる (Mountains surround the town).

囲む vs 包囲する (Houi suru)

Both involve encirclement.

'Houi suru' is a formal, military/police term used for sieges. You would never use it for a family dinner.

軍が城を包囲した (The army besieged the castle).

囲む vs 巻く (Maku)

Both involve things 'going around'.

'Maku' involves a spiral motion or winding a material. 'Kakomu' is about creating a perimeter.

マフラーを首に巻く (Wrap a scarf around the neck).

囲む vs 取り巻く (Torimaku)

Both mean surrounding.

'Torimaku' is often used for the 'environment' or 'circumstances' surrounding a person or event, rather than physical objects.

彼を取り巻く環境 (The environment surrounding him).

囲む vs 囲う (Kakou)

Same kanji, similar meaning.

'Kakou' has a strong nuance of 'keeping' or 'enclosing for a purpose' (like a yard or hiding someone).

敷地を塀で囲う (Enclose the grounds with a wall).

Patrones de oraciones

[Object] をまるで囲む

答えをまるで囲んでください。

[Object] を囲んで [Verb]

食卓を囲んで食べます。

[Subject] は [Agent] に囲まれている

家は木に囲まれている。

[Agent] が [Object] を取り囲む

警察が犯人を取り囲んだ。

[Object] を [Material] で囲む

庭をレンガで囲む。

[Subject] は [Abstract Noun] に囲まれている

彼は謎に囲まれている。

[Object] を囲む [Situation]

事件を囲む状況が変わった。

[Noun] を囲い込む

利益を囲い込むつもりだ。

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

囲い (Kakoi) - Enclosure/Fence

周囲 (Shuui) - Surroundings

範囲 (Hanni) - Range/Scope

包囲 (Houi) - Siege/Encirclement

Verbos

囲う (Kakou) - To enclose/keep

取り囲む (Torikakomu) - To surround tightly

囲い込む (Kakoikomu) - To hem in/monopolize

Relacionado

丸 (Maru) - Circle

壁 (Kabe) - Wall

堀 (Hori) - Moat

輪 (Wa) - Ring

Regístrate gratis para ver todos los ejemplos

Cómo usarlo

frequency

Common in daily life, especially regarding meals and geography.

Errores comunes

Using 'ni' instead of 'wo' in active voice. → 庭を囲む (Niwa wo kakomu)
In the active voice, the direct object (the thing surrounded) takes 'wo'.
Using 'kakomu' for wrapping a gift. → プレゼントを包む (Purezento wo tsutsumu)
'Kakomu' is for perimeters; 'tsutsumu' is for covering/wrapping.
Confusing 'kakomu' with 'kakou'. → 食卓を囲む (Shokutaku wo kakomu)
'Kakou' is for enclosing for storage or protection, not for social sitting.
Using 'kakomu' to mean 'to be busy'. → 仕事に追われている (Shigoto ni owarete iru)
'Kakomu' is physical/spatial; 'owareru' is for being overwhelmed by tasks.
Incorrect kanji stroke order for 囲. → Draw the 囗 radical correctly.
The bottom stroke of the 囗 radical must be the very last stroke of the kanji.

Consejos

Use 'de' for the Tool

Always use 'de' when specifying the material or tool used to surround something, like 'fensu de' (with a fence) or 'pen de' (with a pen).

The Table Idiom

Memorize 'shokutaku wo kakomu' as a single unit. It is a culturally rich phrase that appears in many textbooks and stories about family.

Passive is Popular

Don't be afraid to use 'kakomarete iru'. In Japanese, describing a state (e.g., 'the town is surrounded by mountains') often sounds more natural in the passive than the active.

Pitch Accent

Keep your pitch flat after the first syllable. ka-KO-MU. This will make your pronunciation sound much more native.

Look for the Box

The kanji 囲 has the radical 囗 (box). This is a visual clue that the word is about enclosing or surrounding something.

Go Strategy

If you are interested in the game of Go, remember that the 'Go' in the name is '囲碁'. The game is literally defined by the act of surrounding.

Don't wrap with Kakomu

Remember the gap. 'Kakomu' usually implies a space between the center and the perimeter. If there is no space, use 'tsutsumu'.

Circles in Tests

In Japan, a circle (maru) means 'correct'. So 'maru de kakomu' is how you mark a right answer or select an option.

Group Harmony

Using 'kakomu' for social events emphasizes group harmony (Wa). It shows that everyone is equal and part of the same circle.

Listen for 'Ni'

In travel guides, you will hear '...ni kakomareta' often. It's a key phrase for identifying the geography of a place.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Imagine a 'COCOON' (kakoon -> kakomu). A cocoon surrounds a caterpillar completely. Kakomu surrounds the center.

Asociación visual

Visualize the kanji 囲. It looks like a person trapped inside a box or a fence surrounding a well. The outer box is the surrounding action.

Word Web

Surround Circle Enclose Dining Nature Moat Boundary Go (Game)

Desafío

Try to use 'kakomu' to describe three things in your room right now. For example: 'The desk is surrounded by books' or 'The rug is surrounded by floor'.

Origen de la palabra

The word 'kakomu' comes from the Old Japanese root 'kako', which relates to boundaries and enclosing spaces. The kanji 囲 (i) consists of the radical 囗 (kokamae), which represents a large enclosure or box, and the internal component 井 (sei/well), which provides the phonetic reading and reinforces the idea of a structured boundary.

Significado original: To create a perimeter or boundary around a specific area.

Japonic

Contexto cultural

Be careful when using 'kakomu' with people; it can imply being trapped if the context is negative (like 'teki ni kakomareru').

English speakers might use 'around' more loosely, whereas 'kakomu' specifically implies a completed or intentional circle.

The game of Go (囲碁) Traditional 'Irori' hearths The film 'The Seven Samurai' (strategic encirclement of the village)

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Dining / Eating

食卓を囲む (shokutaku wo kakomu)
鍋を囲む (nabe wo kakomu)
家族で囲む (kazoku de kakomu)
テーブルを囲む (teeburu wo kakomu)

Education / Testing

まるで囲む (maru de kakomu)
答えを囲む (kotae wo kakomu)
ペンで囲む (pen de kakomu)
四角で囲む (shikaku de kakomu)

Geography / Scenery

海に囲まれる (umi ni kakomareru)
山に囲まれる (yama ni kakomareru)
自然に囲まれる (shizen ni kakomareru)
森に囲まれる (mori ni kakomareru)

News / Events

記者に囲まれる (kisha ni kakomareru)
警察が囲む (keisatsu ga kakomu)
ファンに囲まれる (fan ni kakomareru)
建物を取り囲む (tatemono wo torikakomu)

Gardening / Construction

フェンスで囲む (fensu de kakomu)
塀で囲む (hei de kakomu)
石で囲む (ishi de kakomu)
庭を囲む (niwa wo kakomu)

Inicios de conversación

"「家族で食卓を囲むとき、どんな話をしますか？」 (What do you talk about when you sit around the table with your family?)"

"「海に囲まれた島で暮らしてみたいですか？」 (Would you like to live on an island surrounded by the sea?)"

"「テストで答えをまるで囲むのを忘れたことはありますか？」 (Have you ever forgotten to circle an answer on a test?)"

"「山に囲まれた町と、海に近い町、どちらが好きですか？」 (Do you like towns surrounded by mountains or towns near the sea better?)"

"「キャンプで焚き火を囲んで歌うのは好きですか？」 (Do you like singing around a campfire while camping?)"

Temas para diario

Describe a time you were surrounded by people you love. What was the occasion?

If you could build a house anywhere, would you want it to be surrounded by nature or the city? Why?

Write about a traditional meal in your country where everyone 'surrounds the table'.

Imagine you are a detective. Describe a scene where you have to 'surround' a suspect's house.

Reflect on the phrase 'surrounded by silence'. When was the last time you felt that way?

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

No, for wrapping a present, you should use 'tsutsumu'. 'Kakomu' implies a perimeter or circle, while 'tsutsumu' implies covering all surfaces of an object.

Yes, it is very common. You can use it for people sitting in a circle (kakonde suwaru) or being surrounded by friends (yuujin ni kakomareru).

'Torikakomu' is more intense and active. It suggests a crowd or a group gathering tightly around someone, whereas 'kakomu' can be a simple arrangement like sitting at a table.

You say 'Tadashii kotae wo maru de kakonde kudasai'. This is a standard phrase used by teachers.

Yes, it can describe being surrounded by silence (shinjaku), mystery (nazo), or problems (mondai), though this is more common in literature or formal speech.

Use the particle 'ni'. For example: 'Umi ni kakomareta' (Surrounded by the sea).

It is a Group 1 (Godan) verb. Its dictionary form ends in 'mu', and it conjugates like 'yomu' or 'nomu'.

Not really. For 'include', use 'fukumu'. 'Kakomu' is strictly about the physical or metaphorical perimeter.

It literally means 'to surround the dining table,' but it is used to mean 'to have a meal together as a family' in a warm, communal way.

While grammatically possible, it sounds like stacks of paper are literally standing in a circle around you. To say you are busy, use 'shigoto ni owarete iru' (being chased by work).

Regístrate gratis para ver consejos y notas