Explore 囲 in physical surroundings and abstract limits. Learn its readings in complete words.

The idea

囲 has 7 strokes. 囲む（かこむ） means to surround; 囲う（かこう） can mean to enclose with a barrier. 範囲（はんい） means scope or range and uses the reading い.

Patterns to compare
WordReadingExample
囲むかこむThe family gathers around the dining table.
囲うかこうI fence the field in.
範囲はんいI check the scope of the exam.

Examples

  • 家族かぞくが食卓しょくたくを囲かこみます。The family gathers around the dining table.
  • 庭にわは高たかい塀へいに囲かこまれています。The garden is surrounded by a high wall.
  • 子こどもたちが先生せんせいを囲かこみます。The children gather around the teacher.
  • 畑はたけを柵さくで囲かこいます。I fence the field in.
  • 試験しけんの範囲はんいを確認かくにんします。I check the scope of the exam.
  • 地図ちずで危険きけんな場所ばしょを丸まるで囲かこみます。I circle the dangerous places on the map.

Read-aloud uses a synthetic Japanese voice available on your device. Voice quality and availability vary; it does not assess your pronunciation.

Watch out

囲む can describe people gathering around something, while 囲う often stresses an enclosure. 範囲 is an abstract range, not necessarily a physical boundary. Do not confuse 囲 with 回.

Try it yourself

  1. Write the reading of 囲む in hiragana.

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    かこむ

    囲む is かこむ: a family can gather around a table. Keep the final む in the reading.

  2. Write the reading of 範囲 in hiragana.

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    はんい

    範囲 is はんい, meaning scope; for example, the material covered by an exam.

  3. Choose the missing kanji: 範＿（はんい）［囲／回］.

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    囲

    囲 completes 範囲（はんい）. 回 is a different character and does not form this word.

Use it today

Write 囲 using the linked stroke diagram. Cover the examples, read 囲む and 範囲, then make a sentence with one.