Translation guide
How to refer to the area around a place, including nearby neighborhoods, vicinity, and surroundings.
Referring to the area around a specific location in a neutral way.
The most common and neutral word for 'surrounding area' or 'vicinity'. Used for neighborhoods, areas around stations, etc.
駅の周辺にはたくさんの店があります。
There are many shops in the area around the station.
この周辺は静かです。
This area is quiet.
Similar to 周辺 but slightly more formal or literary. Often used in written descriptions.
この近辺には公園がありません。
There are no parks in this vicinity.
Means 'neighborhood' or 'vicinity'. Commonly used in signs, announcements, and formal contexts.
この付近で火事がありました。
There was a fire in this neighborhood.
Emphasizing the area directly around something, often visually or physically close.
Literally 'around'. Used for the immediate surroundings of a person or object. More casual than 周辺.
家の周りを掃除しました。
I cleaned up around the house.
彼の周りにはいつも人が集まる。
People always gather around him.
Means 'around here/there' or 'in the area'. Often used with demonstratives (この辺り, その辺り).
Describing the overall environment or setting, often in a more abstract or scenic sense.
Means 'environment' or 'surroundings' in a broader sense, including natural or social conditions.
自然環境を守ることが大切です。
It's important to protect the natural environment.
Means 'scenery' or 'view'. Used when talking about the visual surroundings, especially in nature.
Is there a post office around here?
The mountain scenery is beautiful.