noun
yen; Japanese currency unit
The basic unit of Japanese currency. Also used in compounds like 円高 (strong yen) and 円安 (weak yen).
このりんごは１個１００円です。
These apples are 100 yen each.
日本では円が使われています。
The yen is used in Japan.
noun
Refers to a geometric circle or a circular shape. Also used in compounds like 円周 (circumference) and 円形 (circular shape).
コンパスで円を描く。
Draw a circle with a compass.
子供たちが円になって座った。
The children sat in a circle.
丸 is a native Japanese word for 'circle' or 'round', often used for physical roundness or in names, while 円 is the Sino-Japanese term used in mathematics, currency, and formal compounds.
From Chinese 圓 (yuán), meaning 'round' or 'circle'. The currency sense comes from the round shape of coins. The modern Japanese simplified form is 円.