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A2 verb #3,000 le plus courant 7 min de lecture

回る

mawaru Top 3,000

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces 回る en 30 secondes

Explication 回る in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 回る (mawaru) as a word for basic physical movement. Think of things that spin in a circle, like a toy top, a wheel, or a fan. At this stage, you don't need to worry about the complex idiomatic uses. Focus on the simple 'Subject + が + 回る' pattern. For example, 'The wheel turns' (車輪が回る). It is helpful to visualize a circle whenever you hear this word. You might also encounter it in very basic travel contexts, like 'going around the park' (公園を回る). Remember that it is an 'intransitive' verb, meaning the thing itself is doing the action. You aren't doing it to the thing; the thing is just spinning. This is one of the first verbs you'll learn that describes autonomous movement of objects.

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At the A2 level, you start using 回る (mawaru) to describe your own actions in a sequence. This is the 'making the rounds' meaning. If you go to a shopping mall and visit three different stores, you can say 「お店を回りました」. It implies a sense of browsing or completing a set of visits. You will also learn the very important expression for 'dizzy': 「目が回る」 (literally: eyes turn). This is used when you are physically dizzy or metaphorically overwhelmed by work. You should also be able to distinguish between 回る (intransitive) and 回す (transitive). For example, 「鍵を回す」 (turn the key) vs 「風車が回る」 (the windmill turns). This distinction is a key milestone in A2 Japanese grammar.

By B1, you should be comfortable with the abstract and functional uses of 回る (mawaru). This includes how it describes the 'functioning' of things. For instance, if a business is running smoothly, you can say 「仕事がうまく回っている」. If your brain is foggy because you didn't sleep, you'd say 「頭が回らない」. You will also see it used for the circulation of things like rumors (噂が回る) or the effects of substances (酔いが回る - the tipsiness is setting in). You should start noticing how 回る is used in compound verbs like 見て回る (look around) or 歩き回る (walk around). These compounds are very common in descriptive storytelling and daily conversation.

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At the B2 level, you encounter 回る (mawaru) in more complex societal and economic contexts. It is used to describe the circulation of capital (資本が回る) or the distribution of resources. You will also learn more nuanced idioms like 「手が回る」 (to be able to attend to something / to have enough resources to cover something) and its negative 「手が回らない」 (to be stretched too thin). In literature or news, you might see it describing a detour (遠回りに回る). You should also be able to compare it with the more formal 「回転する」 or the more literary 「巡る」 in various contexts, choosing the one that fits the register of your speech or writing. Understanding the subtle 'flow' implied by 回る in a system is key here.

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At the C1 level, you use 回る (mawaru) to describe intricate systems and subtle psychological states. You might use it to describe the 'gears' of a complex organization or the 'machinery' of government. It also appears in sophisticated idioms related to social etiquette or 'reading the room.' For example, 「気配りが回る」 (to be attentive to everyone's needs in a room). You will recognize it in classical-sounding phrases or when discussing cyclical philosophies. The distinction between 回る and its synonyms becomes a matter of stylistic choice to convey specific imagery—回る being more grounded and physical, while others might be more abstract. You'll also encounter it in specialized fields like law or medicine to describe the spread of effects or the 'rounds' made by professionals.

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At the C2 level, your mastery of 回る (mawaru) is near-native, allowing you to use it in creative writing, puns, and high-level rhetoric. You understand its role in the 'wa' (harmony) of Japanese society—how things must 'turn' smoothly to maintain social balance. You can use it to describe the passage of time in a way that feels both inevitable and circular. You might analyze how the verb functions in Japanese dialects or historical texts. At this level, you are sensitive to the 'onomatopoeic' feel of the word—the 'ma-wa' sound itself suggesting a smooth, rolling motion. You can effortlessly switch between its literal, figurative, and idiomatic uses to express complex ideas about life, economy, and human relationships with precision and flair.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

回る en 30 secondes

回る (mawaru) is an intransitive verb primarily meaning 'to turn' or 'to rotate' physically, like a wheel or a spinning top.
It is frequently used for visiting multiple locations in one trip, such as 'going around' tourist spots or different shops.
Metaphorically, it describes the circulation of money, rumors, or the physiological effects of alcohol and poison in the body.
It also refers to the smooth functioning of a business or the brain, as well as physical sensations like dizziness (目が回る).

The Japanese verb 回る (mawaru) is a foundational intransitive verb that translates primarily to 'to turn,' 'to go around,' or 'to revolve.' At its most basic physical level, it describes the motion of an object spinning on its own axis or moving in a circular path around a central point. However, to truly master 回る, one must understand its broad semantic range which extends far beyond simple physical rotation. It is used to describe visiting multiple locations in sequence, the functioning of machinery, the circulation of money or rumors, and even the internal physiological sensations of the human body.

Physical Rotation: This is the most literal use. When a wheel spins, a fan rotates, or the Earth revolves around the sun, we use 回る. It implies a continuous or completed circular motion. For example, 'The fan is turning' becomes 扇風機が回っている.
Visiting Multiple Places: In a social or travel context, 回る refers to 'making the rounds.' If you are a tourist visiting five different temples in Kyoto, or a salesperson visiting several clients in one afternoon, you are 'turning' through these locations. It suggests a planned sequence of visits.

地球は太陽の周りを回る。
(The Earth goes around the sun.)

Beyond the physical, 回る is used for abstract circulation. When a rumor spreads through a school, it is 'turning' through the student body. When money circulates in an economy, it is also 'turning.' Interestingly, it also applies to the mind and body. If you are dizzy, your eyes or the room is said to be 'turning' (目が回る). If your brain is not functioning well due to tiredness, you might say your head isn't 'turning' (頭が回らない).

お酒が回ってきた。
(The alcohol is starting to take effect / circulate in the system.)

In business, 回る can refer to the smooth operation of a system. If a project is 'turning well,' it means it is progressing smoothly without hitches. It is a very dynamic verb that captures the essence of motion, whether that motion is a physical circle, a logistical route, or a systemic flow.

Using 回る (mawaru) correctly requires attention to the particles that accompany it, as they define the nature of the movement. Because it is an intransitive verb (自動詞), the thing that is spinning or moving is always the subject of the sentence, usually marked with が or は.

The Path Particle: を (wo): When you are moving *through* or *around* a space, the space being traversed is marked with を. For example, 公園を回る (to go around the park). This emphasizes the route taken.
The Pivot Point: の周りを (no mawari wo): To say you are revolving *around* a specific object (like a moon around a planet), you use the structure [Object] + の周りを回る. This explicitly states the center of the rotation.

今日は観光地をたくさん回りました。
(Today, I went around many sightseeing spots.)

When discussing the 'effect' of something spreading, like alcohol or poison, 回る is used without a direct path particle. For example, 毒が全身に回る (The poison spreads through the whole body). Here, に indicates the destination or extent of the spread.

洗濯機が回っています。
(The washing machine is running/spinning.)

In a metaphorical sense, when your 'head is spinning' because you are busy or confused, you use 目が回るほど忙しい (so busy that my eyes are spinning). This is a very common idiomatic expression in Japanese work culture. Another common usage is in 'Kaiten-zushi' (conveyor belt sushi), where the plates 'turn' or 'revolve' around the counter.

You will encounter 回る (mawaru) in a vast array of real-world Japanese scenarios, from the mundane to the professional. One of the most iconic places is the 回転寿司 (Kaiten-zushi) restaurant. The name literally means 'revolving sushi.' As you sit there, you might say, 「美味しそうなネタが回ってきた」 (A delicious-looking topping came around).

In a domestic setting, 回る is the standard verb for appliances that have rotating parts. If your washing machine is making a strange noise while spinning, or if the microwave plate isn't turning, you use 回る. For example, 「電子レンジのお皿が回らない」 (The microwave plate isn't turning).

仕事がうまく回っていない。
(The work/business isn't running smoothly.)

In the business world, you will hear this word during logistics and planning meetings. A manager might ask if the 'PDCA cycle' is 回っている (turning/functioning). This refers to the 'Plan-Do-Check-Act' cycle. If a company's cash flow is healthy, they might say 「資金が回っている」 (Funds are circulating/flowing).

Socially, 回る is used when discussing rumors or news. 「変な噂が回っている」 (A strange rumor is going around). You'll also hear it in sports, particularly baseball, when a runner goes around the bases: 「ダイヤモンドを一周回る」 (To go around the diamond once).

Daily Life: Clocks (hands turning), fans, bicycles (wheels), and even the spinning loading icon on your computer screen.
Health & Body: Dizziness, the effect of alcohol hitting the brain, or the tongue 'not turning' (stuttering/tripping over words).

The most frequent mistake learners make with 回る (mawaru) is confusing it with its transitive pair 回す (mawasu). This is a classic case of the Japanese Transitive/Intransitive (Jidoushi/Tadoushi) divide which is crucial for fluency.

The Transitive Trap: Mistake: 私が扇風機を回る。 (Incorrect)
Correction: 私が扇風機を回す。 (Correct)
Reason: Since you are the one performing the action on the fan, you must use the transitive 回す. 回る is used when the fan is just spinning on its own.
Confusing with 'Go' (Iku): Mistake: 銀行へ回る。 (Used when you just mean 'I am going to the bank')
Correction: 銀行へ行く。
Reason: You only use 回る for a destination if it is one of *many* stops. If you are just going to one place, use 行く.

❌ 扇風機が回した。
✅ 扇風機が回った。
(The fan turned.)

Another nuance is the use of を vs に. Learners often say 公園に回る when they mean they are walking around inside the park. However, 公園に回る sounds like you are making a detour *to* the park as part of a larger route. To describe the act of circumnavigating or wandering within the park, 公園を回る is the correct choice.

Finally, be careful with the idiom 手が回る (to be able to get around to doing something). Negative form 手が回らない is very common to mean 'I'm too busy to handle that.' Don't confuse this with 足が回る, which isn't a standard idiom in this context.

While 回る (mawaru) is the general-purpose word for 'turning,' several other verbs offer more specific nuances depending on the context. Understanding these will elevate your Japanese from basic to natural.

回転する (Kaiten suru): This is the Sino-Japanese (Kango) version. It is more formal and technical. You use this for high-speed rotation, physics, or formal business terms (like 'rotation of inventory'). 'The motor is rotating at 3000 RPM' would use 回転.
巡る (Meguru): This word has a more poetic or grand feel. It is used for the changing of seasons (季節が巡る), traveling around the world on a grand tour, or a dispute *surrounding* an issue (問題を巡る議論).
立ち寄る (Tachiyoru): If you mean 'going around' in the sense of 'dropping by' a few places, 立ち寄る is often more precise. 回る implies a sequence or a complete circuit, while 立ち寄る is just stopping by on your way somewhere else.

Comparison:
1. 扇風機が回る (Normal)
2. 扇風機が回転する (Technical/Formal)
3. 季節が巡る (Poetic/Cycles)

For abstract circulation like rumors or news, 広まる (hiromaru - to spread) or 伝わる (tsutawaru - to be conveyed) are alternatives. However, 回る specifically captures the 'passing along' nature of rumors in a closed group.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The kanji '回' depicts a whirlpool or something turning inward on itself, perfectly visually representing the action.

Guide de prononciation

UK ma-wa-ru

US ma-wa-ru

Heiban (Flat) pitch accent. The pitch stays relatively level after the first syllable.

Rime avec

Kawaru (to change) Owaru (to end) Suwaru (to sit) Kuwaru (to join - archaic/dialect) Sawaru (to touch) Kuwawaru (to join) Tsutawaru (to be conveyed) Kuwaru (to eat - vulgar)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing 'ru' like the English 'roo' with rounded lips.
Stressing the wrong syllable (Japanese is pitch-based, not stress-based).
Confusing the 'wa' sound with 'ua'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

The kanji is simple (N4 level), but the meanings are varied.

Écriture 2/5

The kanji '回' is easy to write with only 6 strokes.

Expression orale 3/5

Distinguishing from 'mawasu' and using idioms correctly takes practice.

Écoute 2/5

Clear pronunciation, though it can be confused with other '-waru' verbs.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

行く (iku) 来る (kuru) 動く (ugoku) 円 (en) 道 (michi)

Apprends ensuite

回す (mawasu) 回転 (kaiten) 巡る (meguru) 繰り返す (kurikaesu) 戻る (modoru)

Avancé

循環 (juunkan) 輪廻 (rinne) 迂回 (ukai) 自転 (jiten) 公転 (kouten)

Grammaire à connaître

Intransitive vs Transitive pairs

回る (intransitive) vs 回す (transitive)

Particle 'wo' for movement through space

公園を回る (Go around the park)

Te-iru for ongoing states/actions

扇風機が回っている (The fan is spinning)

Te-form for sequential visits

お店を回って帰る (Go around shops then return)

Potential form for ability

忙しくて手が回らない (Cannot get around to it)

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Exemples par niveau

扇風機が回っています。

The electric fan is turning.

Subject + が + 回っている (progressive form).

タイヤが回る。

The tire turns.

Simple present tense for a general fact.

風車が回っています。

The windmill is turning.

Intransitive verb describing autonomous motion.

地球は回る。

The Earth turns.

The particle 'wa' is used for a universal truth.

独楽（こま）が回る。

The spinning top turns.

Basic noun + ga + verb.

時計の針が回る。

The clock hands turn.

Describing the movement of a specific part.

コインが回っている。

The coin is spinning.

Te-iru form shows the action is happening now.

水車が回る。

The waterwheel turns.

Natural force causing the turning.

昨日は京都の寺を回りました。

Yesterday, I went around the temples of Kyoto.

Place + を + 回る means to visit multiple spots in an area.

目が回ります。

I feel dizzy. (My eyes are spinning.)

A common idiom for physical dizziness.

公園をゆっくり回った。

I slowly went around the park.

Wo particle indicates the space being traversed.

デパートを回って買い物をした。

I went around the department store and shopped.

Te-form used to link sequential actions.

お寿司が回っているレストランに行こう。

Let's go to a restaurant where the sushi goes around.

Relative clause modifying 'restaurant'.

世界を回ってみたいです。

I want to try going around the world.

~te mitai expresses a desire to try something.

次の角を回ってください。

Please turn (around) the next corner.

Used for navigating a corner.

一晩中、頭の中で音楽が回っていた。

The music was going around in my head all night.

Metaphorical use for an 'earworm'.

お酒が回るのが早い。

The alcohol takes effect quickly.

Mawaru refers to the alcohol circulating in the blood.

学校に変な噂が回っている。

A strange rumor is going around the school.

Used for the spread of information in a group.

疲れていて、頭が回らない。

I'm tired, so my brain isn't working (not 'turning').

Idiom for cognitive function.

仕事がうまく回っていますか？

Is the work running smoothly?

Used for business operations or management.

毒が全身に回る前に病院へ。

To the hospital before the poison spreads through the body.

Used for substances spreading through a system.

役所をいくつか回って手続きをした。

I went around several government offices and did the paperwork.

Implies a series of bureaucratic visits.

ようやく順番が回ってきた。

Finally, my turn has come around.

Junban ga mawaru is a fixed phrase for 'one's turn'.

この機械はもう回らなくなった。

This machine doesn't turn/run anymore.

Negative potential or state change.

経済がうまく回るように対策を立てる。

We will take measures so that the economy circulates well.

Abstract use for economic flow.

忙しすぎて、細かいところまで手が回らない。

I'm too busy to get around to the small details.

Te ga mawaranai: unable to attend to something.

事件の背後で、巨額の資金が回っている。

Behind the incident, a huge amount of funds is circulating.

Used for illicit or large-scale financial flow.

彼は気配りがよく回る人だ。

He is a person who is very attentive to others.

Kikubari ga mawaru: to be considerate in all directions.

新しい噂が社内を駆け回った。

A new rumor raced around the company.

Kake-mawaru: to run/race around (compound verb).

知恵が回る彼は、すぐに解決策を見つけた。

Being quick-witted, he immediately found a solution.

Chie ga mawaru: to be sharp/witty.

酔いが回って、足元がふらついてきた。

The tipsiness set in, and my steps became unsteady.

Describes the physiological progression of intoxication.

このプロジェクトは、彼がいないと回らない。

This project won't run without him.

Implies he is the essential 'engine' of the work.

法網をかいくぐって、悪事が回っている。

Evading the law, evil deeds are being carried out.

Sophisticated use for systemic corruption.

言葉がうまく回らず、失礼なことを言ってしまった。

My tongue didn't work right, and I said something rude.

Kotoba ga mawaru: to speak fluently/appropriately.

利息が回って、借金が膨らんでしまった。

The interest accumulated (turned), and the debt swelled.

Financial term for interest accrual over time.

一巡り回って、また同じ結論に達した。

After going around once (a full circle), I reached the same conclusion again.

Abstract philosophical or logical cycle.

彼の捜査網は、犯人のすぐそばまで回っていた。

His investigative net had closed in (turned) right next to the criminal.

Sousamou ga mawaru: the net closing in.

酒が回るにつれて、本音が漏れ始めた。

As the alcohol took effect, his true feelings began to leak out.

Ni tsurete: as something progresses.

その土地には、古くからの言い伝えが回っている。

In that land, ancient legends are passed around.

Used for oral tradition and folklore.

万事、うまく回るように手配しておきました。

I have arranged everything so that it all goes smoothly.

Banji: all matters/everything.

因果は回る、という言葉を身に染みて感じた。

I felt deeply the truth of the saying 'What goes around comes around' (Karma rotates).

Philosophical use regarding causality.

経済の歯車が狂い、社会全体が回らなくなった。

The gears of the economy went haywire, and society as a whole ceased to function.

Metaphor for systemic collapse.

筆が回る彼は、一晩で長編小説を書き上げた。

With his pen flowing (turning) effortlessly, he wrote a long novel in one night.

Fude ga mawaru: to be a prolific/fluent writer.

毒舌が回る彼女に、誰も反論できなかった。

With her sharp tongue working (turning) so well, no one could argue back.

Dokuzetsu: sharp/poisonous tongue.

巡り回る季節の中で、私たちは再会した。

Amidst the revolving seasons, we met again.

Meguri-mawaru: highly poetic for cycles.

組織の末端まで、社長の意志が回っていない。

The President's will has not reached the furthest ends of the organization.

Used for the flow of authority/information.

舌の回る詐欺師に、すっかり騙されてしまった。

I was completely fooled by the silver-tongued (tongue-turning) swindler.

Shita no mawaru: eloquent/glib.

運命の車輪が回り始め、物語は急展開を迎えた。

The wheel of fate began to turn, and the story took a sudden turn.

Dramatic literary usage.

Collocations courantes

扇風機が回る

目が回る

頭が回る

噂が回る

順番が回る

酔いが回る

寿司が回る

世界を回る

手が回る

お金が回る

Phrases Courantes

見て回る

— To look around (browsing or inspecting).

美術館を見て回る。

歩き回る

— To walk around/wander.

一日中歩き回って疲れた。

逃げ回る

— To run around trying to escape.

犯人は各地を逃げ回った。

探し回る

— To search all over/everywhere.

失くした鍵を家中で探し回った。

言い回る

— To go around saying/telling everyone.

嘘を言い回る。

駆け回る

— To run around busily.

子供たちが庭を駆け回る。

乗り回す

— To drive around (often for pleasure).

新車を乗り回す。

使い回す

— To reuse something for different purposes.

古い封筒を使い回す。

持ち回る

— To carry around or take turns holding.

トロフィーを持ち回る。

引き回す

— To pull around or lead someone around.

観光客をあちこち引き回す。

Souvent confondu avec

回る vs 回す (mawasu)

Mawaru is 'it turns'; Mawasu is 'I turn it'.

回る vs 巡る (meguru)

Mawaru is daily/physical; Meguru is poetic/large-scale.

回る vs 曲がる (magaru)

Mawaru is to go around or spin; Magaru is to bend or turn a corner.

Expressions idiomatiques

"目が回る"

— To be extremely busy or to feel dizzy.

目が回るような忙しさだ。

Common

"頭が回らない"

— Unable to think clearly or quickly.

寝不足で頭が回らない。

Common

"手が回らない"

— Unable to attend to something due to lack of time/resources.

忙しくて掃除まで手が回らない。

Business/Daily

"知恵が回る"

— To be clever, quick-witted, or crafty.

彼は悪いことには知恵が回る。

Neutral

"舌が回る"

— To speak fluently or glibly.

酔うと舌がよく回るようになる。

Neutral

"気が回る"

— To be considerate or to anticipate needs.

彼女は本当によく気が回る人だ。

Positive

"毒が回る"

— Poison spreading; also used for bad influences spreading.

全身に毒が回る。

Neutral

"酔いが回る"

— Alcohol taking effect.

空腹で飲むと酔いが回るのが早い。

Common

"順番が回る"

— To get one's turn.

ようやく私の順番が回ってきた。

Common

"筆が回る"

— To be a fast or prolific writer.

彼は非常に筆が回る作家だ。

Literary

Facile à confondre

回る vs 曲がる (magaru)

Both translate as 'to turn' in English.

Magaru is to change direction (turn left). Mawaru is to rotate or go around in a circle/circuit.

信号を右に曲がる (Turn right at the light) vs 公園を回る (Go around the park).

回る vs 回転 (kaiten)

Both mean rotation.

Kaiten is a noun/suru-verb, used more in technical or formal contexts. Mawaru is the common native verb.

回転が速い (Rotation is fast) vs 扇風機が回る (The fan turns).

回る vs 回す (mawasu)

Transitive/Intransitive pair.

Mawasu requires an agent to do the turning. Mawaru happens on its own.

取っ手を回す (Turn the handle) vs 地球が回る (The Earth turns).

回る vs 巡る (meguru)

Both mean to go around.

Meguru implies a grand cycle or a dispute surrounding a topic. Mawaru is more physical/everyday.

季節が巡る (Seasons cycle) vs 観光地を回る (Visit tourist spots).

回る vs 及ぶ (oyobu)

Sometimes confused in the sense of 'reaching' or 'extending'.

Oyobu is to reach/extend to. Mawaru (in idioms like te ga mawaru) is more about the capacity to cover an area.

影響が及ぶ (Influence extends to) vs 手が回る (To have capacity for).

Structures de phrases

[Object]が回る。

車輪が回る。

[Place]を回る。

デパートを回る。

目が回る。

忙しくて目が回る。

[Effect]が回る。

酔いが回る。

頭が回らない。

疲れて頭が回らない。

手が回らない。

そこまで手が回らない。

[Abstract]が回る。

経済が回る。

〜て回る。

言いふらして回る。

Famille de mots

Noms

回り (mawari - surroundings/turn)

回転 (kaiten - rotation)

回り道 (mawarimichi - detour)

Verbes

回す (mawasu - to turn [transitive])

見回る (mimawaru - to patrol)

巡る (meguru - to go around)

Apparenté

回 (kai - counter for times)

前回 (zenkai - last time)

今回 (konkai - this time)

一回り (hitomawari - one size/one round)

遠回り (toomawari - detour)

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Extremely high in daily conversation and business.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'mawaru' for 'turn left'. → Magaru (曲がる)
Mawaru implies a circle or a circuit; magaru is for changing direction.
私がタイヤを回る。 → 私がタイヤを回す。
You need the transitive verb 'mawasu' because you are the agent.
公園に回る (to walk in the park). → 公園を回る。
'Wo' is used for movement through a space. 'Ni' implies a destination of a detour.
時計が回す。 → 時計が回る。
The clock hands turn on their own (intransitive), so use 'mawaru'.
手が回る (meaning 'my hand is spinning'). → 目が回る (dizzy) or 手が回る (attend to).
'Te ga mawaru' is an idiom for having capacity; 'Me ga mawaru' is for dizziness.

Astuces

Particle Choice

Use 'ga' for the spinning object and 'wo' for the area or path you are going around.

Sushi Context

Remember 'Kaiten-zushi'. The 'Kaiten' is the noun form of 'mawaru'.

Busy as a Bee

Use 'me ga mawaru hodo isogashii' to sound more natural when complaining about work.

Transitive Pair

Always check if YOU are turning it (mawasu) or if IT is turning (mawaru).

Simple Kanji

The kanji 回 is just two boxes. It's one of the easiest to remember!

Verb Ending

Don't confuse 'mawaru' with 'mawasu' in fast speech. Listen for the 'ru' vs 'su'.

Shopping

When you say you 'went shopping', using 'mise wo mawatta' implies you went to many shops.

Alcohol

'Yoi ga mawaru' is the standard way to say you're starting to feel the buzz.

Management

If a manager asks 'Mawatteru?', they are asking if the project/system is running smoothly.

Poetic vs Daily

Use 'mawaru' for literal things and 'meguru' for abstract cycles like fate or seasons.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'Merry-go-Round'. The 'ma' in 'mawaru' is like the 'Ma' in 'Merry'. It just keeps going around.

Association visuelle

Imagine a conveyor belt sushi plate (Kaiten-zushi) 'ma-wa-ru-ing' in front of you.

Word Web

Circle Spin Visit Rumor Money Dizzy System Turn

Défi

Try to use 'mawaru' to describe three different things today: a physical object, a place you visited, and how your brain feels.

Origine du mot

The word comes from the Old Japanese verb 'mawaru'. It is part of a large family of words starting with 'ma' which often relates to space or intervals.

Sens originel : To move in a circle or to return to a starting point.

Japonic

Contexte culturel

No specific sensitivities, but be careful using 'head/brain not turning' (頭が回らない) as it can sound like a genuine cognitive complaint if not used in a lighthearted context about being tired.

English speakers often use 'spin' or 'turn', but Japanese uses 'mawaru' for 'visiting places', which English might express as 'hitting up' or 'doing' (e.g., 'doing the museums').

Kaiten-zushi (Conveyor belt sushi) The saying 'Inga-mawaru' (Karma) Merry-go-rounds (Mery-go-roundo)

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Tourism

観光地を回る
お寺を回る
名所を回る
一通り回る

Business

仕事が回る
手が回らない
資金が回る
PDCAを回す

Daily Chores

洗濯機を回す
掃除機を回す
近所を回る
お店を回る

Health

目が回る
頭が回らない
酔いが回る
毒が回る

Socializing

噂が回る
順番が回る
お酒を回す
話が回る

Amorces de conversation

"京都に行ったら、どのお寺を回りたいですか？ (Which temples do you want to go around if you go to Kyoto?)"

"最近、忙しすぎて目が回ることはありますか？ (Are you so busy lately that your head is spinning?)"

"お酒を飲むと、すぐに酔いが回る方ですか？ (Are you the type who gets tipsy quickly when you drink?)"

"回転寿司で一番好きなネタは何ですか？ (What is your favorite topping at conveyor belt sushi?)"

"仕事で手が回らなくて困ったことはありますか？ (Have you ever been in trouble because you couldn't get around to your work?)"

Sujets d'écriture

今日一日で回った場所をすべて書き出してください。 (Write down all the places you went around today.)

「目が回るほど忙しい」と感じた時のエピソードを書いてください。 (Write an episode about a time you felt 'so busy your eyes were spinning'.)

もし世界一周回れるとしたら、どこに行きたいですか？ (If you could go around the world once, where would you want to go?)

「頭が回らない」と感じる時、どうやってリフレッシュしますか？ (When you feel like your 'brain isn't turning', how do you refresh?)

最近聞いた面白い噂がどうやって回ってきたか説明してください。 (Explain how an interesting rumor you heard recently came around.)

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Mostly, but it can also mean a circuit or a sequence of points that don't form a perfect circle, like visiting five different shops in a row.

You can use it for 'going around' a corner, but 'magaru' (to bend/turn) is much more common for simply changing direction at a street light.

'Kaiten' is more formal/technical. You'd see 'kaiten' on a machine's spec sheet, but you'd say 'mawaru' when talking to a friend about a fan.

No, it is used for literal physical dizziness too, like after spinning around in a chair.

Because from the customer's perspective, the sushi is just moving/turning on its own. The machine 'mawasu' (turns) the belt, but the sushi 'mawaru' (goes around).

Yes, 'uwasa ga mawaru' is a very common way to say a rumor is circulating.

It means your brain isn't functioning efficiently, usually because you are tired, sleepy, or overwhelmed.

Yes, it describes the circulation of funds in an economy or a business ('okane ga mawaru').

You can use 'mawarimichi' (noun) or 'toomawari suru' (verb phrase).

It is a Group 1 (Godan) verb. The dictionary form ends in -u, and it conjugates to -imasu (mawarimasu).

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