noun
placeholder symbol; blank; censored word
Used in text to stand in for a word or phrase that is intentionally omitted, censored, or variable. Common in example sentences, forms, and media where a specific word is not given.
この書類の〇〇の部分には、あなたの名前を書いてください。
Please write your name in the blank part of this document.
新聞記事で、犯人の名前は〇〇と表記されてい
noun, used as a prefix
certain; unnamed; undisclosed
Used as a prefix before a noun to indicate an unspecified or intentionally unnamed person, place, or thing. Similar to 'a certain' or 'some' in English, but often implies deliberate concealment.
〇〇氏からの依頼で、このプロジェクトが始まった。
This project started at the request of a certain unnamed person.
彼は〇〇県の出身だと言っていたが、詳しくは教えてくれなかった。
He said he was from a certain prefecture, but wouldn't give details.
In the newspaper article, the criminal's name was written as 〇〇.
The symbol 〇 (まる) is used as a placeholder or blank in Japanese text. Doubled as 〇〇, it is read as まるまる and functions as a stand-in for omitted or censored words. The reading simply repeats the name of the circle symbol.