周囲
Meanings
1
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
surroundings; environs; vicinity
Refers to the area or environment around a place or person. Often used with の to modify nouns.
The surrounding scenery was very beautiful.
He was helped by the people around him.
2
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
Used for the distance around a circle or object. Common in mathematical and descriptive contexts.
This pond has a circumference of about two kilometers.
Usage patterns
- 〈場所〉の周囲the area surrounding a place
Cherry trees line the area around the lake.
- 〈物〉の周囲は〈数〉あるthe circumference of something measures a certain amount
The circumference of this tree is three meters.
- 周囲を見回すto look around at one's surroundings
He looked around before starting to speak.
- 周囲に気を配るto be attentive to one's surroundings or the people around one
Nurses are always attentive to those around them.
- 周囲の目を気にするto worry about what people around one think
She couldn't speak her true feelings because she cared about what others thought.