輪

• Reading: わ
• Romaji: wa
• Kanji breakdown: 輪 (wa/rin) — ring, circle, wheel
• Pronunciation: /wa/

Meaning

Ring; circle; hoop; loop. A round shape or circular object.

A noun with both concrete and abstract uses. Concretely refers to circular objects like rings, hoops, and wheels. Abstractly used in expressions like 輪を広げる (widen one's circle) and 仲間の輪 (circle of friends). The counter 輪 is used for flowers.

Examples

1. 子供たちが手をつないで輪になった。 The children held hands and formed a circle.
2. 友達の輪を広げたいと思っている。 I want to expand my circle of friends.
3. オリンピックのマークは五つの輪でできている。 The Olympic symbol is made up of five rings.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, relationships, sports

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 輪 combines 車 (wheel) and 侖 (order, logic), originally depicting the round wheel of a cart. Extended to mean any circular shape or group.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal