Translation and Meaning of: 周 - shuu

The Japanese word 周[しゅう] is a versatile term frequently used in the language, carrying meanings that range from "circumference" to "period of time." If you are studying Japanese or simply interested in the language, understanding the usage and origin of this word can enrich your vocabulary and avoid confusion. In this article, we will explore its meaning, how it is used in everyday life, and some curiosities that can help with memorization.

Additionally, we will see how 周[しゅう] appears in different contexts, from informal conversations to more formal expressions. If you have already used the Suki Nihongo dictionary, you know that it is a great tool for learning words like this in a practical way. Here, we go beyond simple translation, diving into what makes this word so relevant in Japanese.

Meaning and usage of 周[しゅう]

The kanji 周 can be translated as "around," "circuit," or "perimeter," but its meaning expands depending on the context. In phrases like "一周する" (to make a circuit), it indicates circular movement, while in "週末" (weekend), it appears as part of a compound word related to time. This duality makes it essential to pay attention to the kanji that accompanies it.

In the Japanese language, 周[しゅう] is also used to express the idea of "surrounding" or "neighborhood." For example, "周りの人" means "the people around." This sense of physical or temporal proximity is common in everyday conversations, making the word quite useful for those who want to communicate naturally.

Origin and writing of the kanji 周

The kanji 周 is composed of the radical 口 (mouth) and the component 冋, which historically represented something surrounded or enclosed. This combination reinforces the notion of something that is around or contained within a space. Etymological studies indicate that its use dates back to ancient Chinese, where it already carried meanings related to boundaries and circulation.

One tip for memorizing the writing of 周 is to remember that the radical 口 appears in several kanjis that involve the idea of space or delimitation, such as 回 (return) and 囲 (surround). Associating these characters can make learning easier, especially for those who are starting to study more complex kanjis.

Cultural curiosities and usage

In Japan, 周[しゅう] is not just a word from everyday vocabulary, but also appears in expressions that reflect cultural values. For example, the expression "周りに気を配る" (to pay attention to one's surroundings) is often used to highlight the importance of considering others, a notable trait of Japanese society.

Furthermore, in sports competitions or events, it is common to hear terms like "一周遅れ" (a lap behind), showing how the word is present even in competitive contexts. If you watch animes or Japanese dramas, you have probably come across this word in dialogues about races, meetings, or planning.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 週 (shuu) - week
• しゅうかん (shuukan) - habit, regular practice
• しゅうじん (shuujin) - spouse, husband
• しゅうじゅん (shuujun) - period, cycle
• しゅうせい (shuusei) - correction, review
• しゅうり (shuuri) - repair, fix
• しゅうりょう (shuuryou) - conclusão, término
• しゅうわ (shuuwa) - growth plant, vegetation
• しゅうにゅう (shuunyuu) - recipe, income
• まわりみち (mawarimichi) - detour, alternative path
• まわりみちりょう (mawarimichiryou) - deviation rate, deviation cost
• めぐり (meguri) - circulation, passage
• めぐりあい (meguriai) - meeting, coincidence
• めぐりあわせ (meguriawase) - coincidence, luck
• めぐりあわせる (meguriawaseru) - find, gather
• めぐりくる (megurikuru) - voltar, retornar
• めぐる (meguru) - circular, rotate
• めぐわす (meguwasu) - provide, make it happen
• めぐわせる (meguwaseru) - let it happen, allow it to occur
• めぐわそう (meguwasou) - allow a cycle, make it spin

周

Romaji: shuu
Kana: しゅう
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: circuit; return; circumference; neighborhood; chou (dynasty)

Meaning in English: circuit;lap;circumference;vicinity;Chou (dynasty)

Definition: 1. Surroundings or outskirts. Wide area around.

Example Sentences - (周) shuu

See below some example sentences:

放出されたエネルギーが周りを包み込んだ。

Houshutsu sareta enerugii ga mawari o tsutsumikonda

The released energy enveloped everything around.

The released energy enveloped.

• 放出された - The verb "放出する" in the past, meaning "released, emitted"
• エネルギー - noun "エネルギー", which means "energy"
• が - The particle "が", which indicates the subject of the sentence
• 周り - Noun "周り", which means "around"
• を - Particle "を", indicating the direct object of the sentence.
• 包み込んだ - verb "包み込む" in the past, meaning "to wrap, surround"

周囲を注意深く見て行動してください。

Shuui wo chuuibukaku mite koudou shite kudasai

Please observe carefully around and act.

Please take care of the environment.

• 周囲 - means "around" or "surrounding".
• を - object particle.
• 注意深く - means "with attention" or "carefully."
• 見て - verb form of the verb "to look" or "to observe".
• 行動して - verb form of the verb "to act" or "to behave".
• ください - verb form of the verb "to give" or "to offer".

周期は定期的に繰り返されます。

Shuuki wa teikiteki ni kurikaesaremasu

Cycles repeat regularly.

The cycle is repeated regularly.

• 周期 - Period
• は - Topic particle
• 定期的に - regularly
• 繰り返されます - is repeated

周辺の環境を大切にしましょう。

Shuuhen no kankyou wo taisetsu ni shimashou

Let's take care of the environment around us.

Let's value the surrounding environment.

• 周辺 - It means "surroundings" or "neighborhood".
• の - Title that indicates possession or expiration.
• 環境 - It means "environment" or "environment."
• を - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence.
• 大切 - It means "important" or "valuable".
• に - TP31A preposition that indicates action or movement towards something.
• しましょう - polite and polite way of the verb "fazer".

円周率は3.14です。

Enshuuritsu wa 3.14 desu

The value of pi is 3.14.

The PI is 3.14.

• 円周率 - means "pi" in Japanese, it is a mathematical constant that represents the relationship between the circumference of a circle and its diameter.
• は - grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "pi".
• 3.14 - approximate value of pi.
• です - verb "to be" in Japanese, indicating that the value presented is an affirmation.

周りにはたくさんの友達がいる。

Mawari ni wa takusan no tomodachi ga iru

There are many friends nearby.

• 周り (mawari) - around
• に (ni) - particle that indicates the target or destination of the action
• は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• たくさん (takusan) - many
• の (no) - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 友達 (tomodachi) - friends
• が (ga) - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• いる (iru) - verb that indicates existence or presence

葦は池の周りに生えています。

Ashi wa ike no mawari ni haete imasu

Reeds grow around the lake.

Reeds are growing around the pond.

• 葦 (ashi) - means "cane" or "reed" in Japanese
• は (wa) - topic particle indicating that the subject of the sentence is "ashi"
• 池 (ike) - means "lake" in Japanese
• の (no) - possession particle indicating that the lake is the object of the sentence
• 周り (mawari) - means "around" in Japanese
• に (ni) - location particle indicating where "ashi" is growing
• 生えています (haeteimasu) - verb meaning "to be growing" or "to be sprouting"