• 周まわり — surroundings, nearby area
• 円周えんしゅう — circumference
• 周囲しゅうい — perimeter, surroundings
• 周辺しゅうへん — nearby, vicinity
• 周知しゅうち — well-known, widely known
• 周到しゅうとう — meticulous, thorough

The character 周 combines the radical 口 (mouth) with 用 (use), symbolizing speaking and engaging with people around. It originally referred to communication or activity around a circle, hence its connection to boundaries and surroundings.

It’s also historically tied to the Zhou Dynasty (周王朝), one of ancient China’s most influential dynasties.

この周まわりには 公園こうえんがたくさんあります。
There are many parks around this area.

周囲しゅういの人々ひとびとに 感謝かんしゃしています。
I’m grateful to the people around me.

円周えんしゅうは 直径ちょっけい × π です。
The circumference is diameter × pi.

🎧 Listen to the Japanese and English readings of this kanji.