中心

• Reading: ちゅうしん
• Romaji: chuushin
• Kanji breakdown: 中 (chuu) — middle; 心 (shin) — heart, core
• Pronunciation: /tɕɯː.ɕiɴ/

Meaning

Centre; core; heart. The central point or main focus of something.

A noun and pre-noun adjective used both physically (円の中心, en no chuushin, centre of a circle) and figuratively (話題の中心, wadai no chuushin, the centre of a topic). The pattern ～を中心に (wo chuushin ni, centred around) is extremely common. Also used for key people: チームの中心 (chiimu no chuushin, the core of a team).

Examples

1. 東京は日本の経済の中心だ。 Tokyo is the center of Japan's economy.
2. 駅を中心に商店街が広がっている。 A shopping district spreads out around the station.
3. 彼女はいつもグループの中心にいる。 She's always at the center of the group.

Usage Guide

Context: geography, discussion, organization

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Composed of 中 (chuu, middle) and 心 (shin, heart/core). The combination of 'middle' and 'heart' creates the concept of the very centre or focal point.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal