周 means “around, circuit, lap”

まわり · mawari

Also: circumference

Kun'yomi (Japanese reading): まわり
On'yomi (Chinese reading): シュウ

JLPT N2 · Taught in grade 4 · 8 strokes

The story

Picture a frame (冂) running right around a plot of land (土) with the mouth (口) of a well inside: the whole circuit. 周り is what is around you, 一周 is one full lap, and a shop's 10周年 is its tenth anniversary, the year come round ten times.

Used in 周り (mawari, surroundings), 一周 (isshuu, one lap/circuit), and 周年 (shuunen, anniversary)

周 means “around, circuit, lap”

The story

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