Translation guide
The English verb 'surround' can be expressed in Japanese through several verbs and constructions, depending on what is being surrounded, the nature of the surrounding (physical encirclement, abstract envelopment, or being in the midst of something), and the perspective (active vs. passive). The most common and versatile equivalent is 囲む (kakomu).
To form a circle or ring around something, to be on all sides of a physical object or area.
The most general and common verb for 'surround'. It can be used for people surrounding a table, walls surrounding a garden, etc. Transitive verb.
私たちはテーブルを囲んで座った。
We sat around the table.
高い塀が家を囲んでいる。
A high fence surrounds the house.
Emphasizes a tighter or more complete surrounding, often by people or things that close in. Slightly more intense than 囲む.
記者たちが彼を取り囲んだ。
Reporters surrounded him.
湖は森に取り囲まれている。
The lake is surrounded by forest.
Used for military or strategic surrounding, like a siege. Also used metaphorically for being surrounded by enemies or difficulties.
敵軍が城を包囲した。
The enemy army surrounded the castle.
To be surrounded by an atmosphere, environment, nature, people, or abstract things.
Passive form of 囲む, meaning 'to be surrounded by'. Very common for describing one's environment or situation.
自然に囲まれて暮らしたい。
I want to live surrounded by nature.
彼はいつも友達に囲まれている。
He is always surrounded by friends.
Passive of 取り囲む, emphasizing a more intense or complete surrounding, often by a crowd or overwhelming environment.
彼女はファンに取り囲まれた。
She was surrounded by fans.
Literally 'in the midst of', used to express being surrounded by an environment or situation without a specific encircling action.
彼は緑の中で育った。
He grew up surrounded by greenery.
To surround in a way that envelops or fills the space, often with intangible things like sound, light, or atmosphere.
Means 'to wrap' or 'envelop'. Used when something intangible like silence, darkness, or warmth surrounds a person or place.
静けさが部屋を包んだ。
Silence surrounded/filled the room.
霧が街を包んでいる。
Fog envelops the town.
Means 'to cover' or 'to blanket'. Used when something spreads over and surrounds an area, like clouds, snow, or darkness.
To surround a person or place for a specific reason, such as capture, protection, or control.
As above, but specifically for tactical surrounding. Also used in news reports for police surrounding a building.
警察が建物を包囲した。
The police surrounded the building.
Literally 'to roll up and surround'. Often used for a crowd surrounding someone, or for circumstances surrounding a situation. Can have a nuance of fawning or being sycophantic when used for people.
彼は取り巻きに囲まれている。
He is surrounded by his entourage.
事件を取り巻く状況
the circumstances surrounding the incident
囲む is the most general and neutral. 取り囲む implies a more active, often tighter surrounding, frequently by people. 包囲する is specifically for military or strategic encirclement.
The loanword サラウンド (saraundo) is used almost exclusively for audio 'surround sound' systems. Do not use it for general 'surround'.
家は木に囲まれている。
The house is surrounded by trees.
私たちはキャンプファイヤーを囲んで座った。
We sat around the campfire.
Clouds cover/surround the sky.