丸い

• Reading: まるい
• Romaji: marui
• Kanji breakdown: 丸 (maru/gan) — round, circle, whole
• Pronunciation: /ma.ɾɯ.i/

Meaning

Round; circular; spherical. Describes objects with a round shape.

An i-adjective describing round or circular shapes. Also written as 円い, though 丸い is more common. Beyond shape, 丸い is used figuratively for a mild personality (丸い性格) or a peaceful resolution (丸くおさまる). Conjugates regularly: 丸くない, 丸かった.

Examples

1. 月が丸くてきれいですね。 The moon is round and beautiful, isn't it?
2. ボールは丸い形をしています。 A ball has a round shape.
3. 丸いテーブルのほうが好きです。 I prefer a round table.

Usage Guide

Context: shapes, descriptions, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 丸 originally depicted a round shape. It has been a basic descriptive word in Japanese since ancient times, also used in the expression 丸ごと (entirely/wholly).

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal