Translation guide
The English word 'round' has many meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: shape, circular movement, stages, and more.
Describing something that is round in shape, like a circle or sphere.
The most common word for 'round' as a shape. Used for circles, spheres, and generally rounded objects.
This table is round.
She has a round face.
Means 'circular' and is slightly more formal or technical. Often used in descriptions of objects or layouts.
I'm looking for a round table.
Specifically means 'spherical'. Use when emphasizing a 3D round shape.
The Earth is round.
Describing movement in a circle or turning around.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to turn', 'to spin', 'to go around'. Used for objects moving in a circle.
Referring to a stage in a process, such as a round in a tournament, a round of drinks, or a round of negotiations.
Describing a regular route or series of visits, like a doctor's rounds or a delivery round.
Means 'to patrol', 'to go on rounds', or 'to make the rounds'. Used for security guards, doctors, etc.
Adjusting a number to a nearby convenient value.
The standard term for 'rounding' numbers, literally 'discard four, enter five'. Used in math and everyday calculations.
Referring to a single unit of ammunition.
Means 'one shot' or 'one round'. Used for guns, cannons, etc.
Various fixed expressions using 'round'.
While ラウンド is used in specific contexts like boxing and golf, it is not a general translation for 'round'. For shapes, use 丸い; for stages, use 回戦 or counters.
丸い is the everyday word for 'round'. 円形 is more formal and often used in written descriptions or technical contexts. 球形 is specifically for spheres.
The Earth goes round the sun.
The Ferris wheel is turning round slowly.
Means 'to go around once' or 'to make a round'. Often used for traveling around a place.
We went round the lake.
Emphasizes a circular movement, often in a casual context. 'Gurutto' is an onomatopoeic word for a sweeping turn.
When you go round the corner, you'll see the station.
Used for rounds in sports tournaments or competitions. Attached to numbers: 1回戦 (first round), 2回戦 (second round).
He lost in the first round.
Loanword from English, used in boxing, golf, and some games. Also used in business contexts like 'round of funding'.
The match will be decided in the next round.
Used in contexts like rounds of a draft or selection process. Attached to numbers: 1巡目 (first round).
He was selected in the first round of the draft.
General counter for occurrences, can be used for rounds of drinks, rounds of a game, etc.
Let's order another round of drinks.
The doctor is making his rounds.
Can also mean 'to go around' visiting places. Often used with places as objects.
I make the rounds of clients for sales.
Please round off the decimals.
Means 'to round up'. Used when you always increase the number.
I rounded up the result to a whole number.
Means 'to round down' or 'truncate'.
We round down fractions.
He didn't waste a single round of ammunition.
Means 'round of applause' or 'ovation'. Often used with を浴びる (to receive).
His performance received a big round of applause.
Means 'round trip'. Used for tickets, travel, etc.
A round-trip ticket, please.
Means 'all year round'. Literally 'throughout the year'.
This shop is open all year round.