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Kotomora

周

circumference, circuit, lap

JLPTN2StatusJōyō · grade 4FrequencyTop 1,000Strokes8

Readings

On'yomi

  • シュウ

Kun'yomi

  • まわ.り

Nanori

  • あまね
  • しゅ
  • す
  • ちか

Meaning

周 centers on a closed path around something: a circumference, a circuit, or a lap. The idea is always a boundary or route that goes around and returns.

Most common words using 周

20 of 207
  • 周しゅう
    N1

    counter for laps or circuits

  • 周りまわり
    N4

    circumference; girth

  • 周辺しゅうへん
    N2

    circumference; outskirts; environs; around; in the area of; in the vicinity of

  • 周囲しゅうい
    N3

    surroundings; environs

  • 周波数しゅうはすう

    frequency (esp. of waveforms)

  • 一周いっしゅう
    N1

    one round; one circuit; one revolution; one lap; one turn

  • 周回しゅうかい

    going around; orbiting; circling

  • 周期しゅうき
    N2

    cycle; period

  • 周知しゅうち

    common knowledge; being well-known; making (something) well-known

  • 周波しゅうは

    cycle; wave; frequency

  • 外周がいしゅう

    outer circumference; perimeter

  • 円周えんしゅう
    N2

    circumference

  • 周遊しゅうゆう

    (circular) tour; round trip; excursion

  • 周防すおう

    Suō (former province located in the southeast of present-day Yamaguchi Prefecture)

  • 高周波こうしゅうは

    high frequency; HF

  • 周到しゅうとう

    careful; thorough; meticulous; scrupulous

  • 周縁しゅうえん

    fringe; rim; periphery; borders; outskirts

  • 半周はんしゅう

    semicircle; hemicycle; half globe

  • 周航しゅうこう

    circumnavigation; circle tour by ship

  • 周年しゅうねん
    N1

    whole year; entire year

Explore all words using 周 →

Study

Etymology

周 originally depicted a border or enclosure around a field, representing a perimeter or circuit. The modern form combines 用 (an enclosure) with 口 (mouth or opening), suggesting a defined surrounding area.

Meaning mnemonic

The outer frame 用 is like a fence, and the inner 口 is the area inside. Picture a running track: the fence marks the circumference, and the inner field is where the lap is completed.

Reading mnemonic

For シュウ, imagine running a circuit and shouting 'Shoo!' as you complete each lap: 'Shoo!' -> シュウ, tying the sound to the circular motion.