Translation and Meaning of: 回る - mawaru

The Japanese word 「回る」 (mawaru) has a rich etymology and history. The verb "mawaru" in Japanese is written with the kanji 「回」, which literally means "to turn" or "to return". This kanji is composed of the radical 「囗」, which represents an enclosure or circumscribed area, and the component 「口」, which symbolizes an opening or mouth. The combination of these elements suggests circular movement or the act of going around something. Although it may seem simple, this word has significant depth when we consider its various applications and uses over time.

In everyday use, 「回る」 (mawaru) is often used to describe physical movement, such as when something rotates around a central point. However, its meaning can extend to more abstract concepts. For example, it can be used to indicate the act of circulating or traversing, either physically, as when strolling through a city, or in a more figurative sense, such as when ideas or rumors spread among people. Thus, the versatility of the term provides numerous contexts for use.

The origin of 「回る」 (mawaru) dates back to ancient practices and the classical language of Japan. From classical Japanese, the verb transitioned through both oral and written language, maintaining its semantic core unchanged, but expanding its reach by being incorporated into poetic compositions and literature. An interesting fact is how the verb is often used in conjunction with other words to form compound expressions, highlighting an important cultural aspect related to "revolving around" concepts or events in traditional Japanese society.

Variations and uses of 「回る」

• 社会を回る (shakai o mawaru) – to circulate through society, involves both social and figurative interaction.
• お金が回る (okane ga mawaru) – the money circulates, referring to the economic flow or the circulation of wealth.
• 時計が回る (tokei ga mawaru) – the clock turns, in the literal sense and in metaphorical use, as time passes.

The variable uses of the word also reflect its linguistic role, highlighting how Japanese takes advantage of similar terms to communicate specific nuances. The beauty of the language lies precisely in the manipulation of words like 「回る」 (mawaru), which can express complexity with apparent simplicity. A fascinating journey through time and cultural interpretation is contained in its use, revealing layers of meaning that go beyond a simple rotational movement.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 回る

• 回る - Masu Form
• 回ります - Negative form of the verb base
• 回りません - Form Te
• 回って - Negative て form
• 回らない - imperative form

Synonyms and similar words

• 回転する (kaiten suru) - Spin; rotate
• 回る (mawaru) - Spin; go around; circle
• 回り始める (mawari hajimeru) - start to spin
• 回り出す (mawari dasu) - Start spinning; start rotating
• 転がる (korogaru) - Roll; to move around (usually of an object that spins)
• 転じる (tenjiru) - Transit; change direction or state
• 転回する (tenkai suru) - Make a turn; reverse direction

回る

Romaji: mawaru
Kana: まわる
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n4

Translation / Meaning: to turn; to spin; visit several places

Meaning in English: to turn;to revolve;to visit several places

Definition: The movement of objects or places around a central point.

Example Sentences - (回る) mawaru

See below some example sentences:

上回ることができた。

Uwamawaru koto ga dekita

I was able to overcome.

I was able to get over it.

• 上回る - verb meaning "to overcome" or "to surpass"
• こと - noun meaning "thing" or "fact"
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• できた - verb meaning "to be able to do" or "to be able to do" in the past

車輪が回っている。

Sharin ga mawatte iru

The wheels are spinning.

The wheels are spinning.

• 車輪 - Means "wheel" in Japanese.
• が - Particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• 回っている - verb meaning "turning" or "rotating".

ダイヤルを回してください。

Daiyaru wo mawashite kudasai

Spin the dial on the phone, please.

Rotate the dial.

• ダイヤル (daiyaru) - means "dial" in Japanese, referring to the disk on an old telephone used to make calls.
• を (wo) - object particle in Japanese, indicating that "daiyaru" is the object of the action.
• 回して (mawashite) - verb form of the verb "mawasu", which means "to turn" in Japanese.
• ください (kudasai) - polite form of the verb "kureru", which means "to give" in Japanese. In this context, it's used as a polite way of asking someone to turn the dial.

すばしこい猫が庭を駆け回っている。

Subashikoi neko ga niwa wo kake mawatte iru

An agile cat is running through the garden.

A fast cat is running through the garden.

• すばしこい - adjective that means agile, fast
• 猫 - noun that means cat
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 庭 - noun that means garden
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 駆け回っている - verb meaning to run around, conjugated in the present continuous

世界は常に回っている。

Sekai wa tsuneni mawatte iru

The world is always turning.

The world is always around.

• 世界 - It means "world" in Japanese.
• は - Japanese grammatical particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 常に - means "always" in Japanese
• 回っている - Japanese verb that means "to spin" or "to turn" in the present continuous.

回り道をしても目的地に着く。

Mawari michi wo shitemo mokutekichi ni tsuku

Even with a detour

Even if you take a detour, you will reach your destination.

• 回り道をしても - even if it takes a detour
• 目的地に - for the destination
• 着く - arrive