円
en[ẽ̞ɴ]
In Japanese, the English phrase 'circle' can be translated as 円 (en). Wiktionary also lists 丸 (maru).
Meaning: geometry: set of points that are equally distant from a center (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 円 | en | [ẽ̞ɴ] (narrow) |
| 丸 | maru | [ma̠ɾɯ̟] (narrow) [ma̠ɾo̞] (narrow) |
When discussing geometry or technical concepts, use 円. For more casual or descriptive purposes regarding round objects, use 丸.
Which one should you use?
円 is the technical or mathematical term used for a circle, whereas 丸 is used for more general, rounded shapes and is used in a more casual, descriptive sense.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word 円陣 (enjin) is a specific compound used to mean a 'circle of people' or a 'huddle'. Related verbs for movement include 回る and 回転する for traveling around along a curved path, and 周遊する for traveling in circles.
How do you pronounce it?
en
Did you know?
Examples in context
- 彼らは円陣を組んだ。They formed themselves into a circle.This sentence shows how to use 円 to describe a circle of people.Tatoeba #3474629 by arnab, translation #306196 by CK
- 小さな円を書きなさい。Draw a small circle.This sentence uses 円 to instruct someone to draw a circle.Tatoeba #147020 by bunbuku, translation #267541 by CK
- 床に円を描いてください。Make a circle on the floor.Tatoeba #11733163 by bunbuku, translation #456333 by lukaszpp
- 円の形The shape of a circle
- 円周Circumference
- 円形Circular shape
- まるい形Round shape
- まるを描くTo draw a circle
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ren and Yui are studying geometry together.
- 蓮 Renこの図形の名前は何かな？Kono zukei no namae wa nan kana?I wonder what this shape is called?
- 結衣 Yuiこれはきれいな円だよ。Kore wa kirei na en dayo.This is a beautiful circle.
- 蓮 Ren円の面積はどうやって計算するの？En no menseki wa dō yatte keisan suru no?How do you calculate the area of a circle?
- 結衣 Yui教科書に公式が書いてあるよ。Kyōkasho ni kōshiki ga kaite aru yo.The formula is written in the textbook.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “circle” translations and entries 円, 丸, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 丸, 円, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
