Translation and Meaning of: 回 - kai

If you are studying Japanese or simply interested in the language, you may have come across the word 回[かい]. It appears in various contexts, from counting events to temporal expressions, and understanding its meaning can be essential for mastering the language. In this article, we'll explore what this word represents, its origin, how it is used in everyday Japanese, and some curiosities that can help with memorization. Here at Suki Nihongo, our goal is to provide clear and practical explanations to facilitate your learning.

Meaning and uses of the word 回

The word 回[かい] primarily means "time" or "occasion," and is often used to count repeated events. For example, 一回[いっかい] means "one time," while 三回[さんかい] means "three times." Additionally, it can indicate rotation or circular movement, as in 回転[かいてん] (rotation). This versatility makes it a very common word in the daily lives of the Japanese.

Another interesting use of 回 is in temporal expressions, such as 今回 [こんかい] (this time) or 前回 [ぜんかい] (last time). It also appears in terms like 回数券 [かいすうけん] (multiple-ride ticket), demonstrating its practical application in everyday situations. Whether in informal conversations or in more formal contexts, 回 is definitely a word worth mastering.

Origin and writing of the kanji 回

The kanji 回 is composed of the radical 囗 (which represents a perimeter or limit) and the component 口 (mouth). Its structure suggests the idea of something that rotates or moves within a defined space, which makes sense considering its meanings related to rotation and repetition. This visual association can be helpful for those learning to write or memorize the character.

According to the Kangorin dictionary, the kanji 回 has its origins in ancient China, where it was used to represent both the act of returning and circular movement. Over time, its use expanded to include counting events, a meaning that remains strong in modern Japanese. This dual function – indicating both movement and repetition – shows how the Japanese language has leveraged the richness of kanji to express related concepts.

Tips for memorizing and using 回

An effective way to solidify the meaning of 回 is to associate it with words you already know. For example, 回転寿司[かいてんずし] (conveyor belt sushi) combines the idea of rotation with a popular dish. Creating simple sentences like この映画は二回見た (I've seen this movie twice) also helps to internalize its practical use. The more contextualized the learning is, the more natural the use of this word will become.

Another tip is to pay attention to how 回 appears in animes, dramas, or songs. Often, it shows up in everyday conversations or song lyrics, reinforcing its importance in the language. If you enjoy games, you can practice by counting how many times you perform an action, such as 五回ジャンプした (I jumped five times). These small immersions in the language make learning more dynamic and fun.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

循環 (Junkan) - Circulation; cyclical movement.
周回 (Shūkai) - Circulation; it can refer to a complete loop or trajectory around something.
反復 (Hanpuku) - Repetition; the act of repeating something consecutively.
再度 (Saido) - New time; it implies a repetition after a pause or interval.
繰り返し (Kurikaeshi) - Repetition; usually used for repetitive actions or cycles in a continuous context.
ループ (Rūpu) - Loop; a repetitive sequence in programming or music, usually with no defined end.