Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Surround" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "surround", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
囲む
かこむ (kakomu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
取り巻く
とりまく (torimaku)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "surround" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 囲む and 取り巻く.
In Japanese, 囲む (かこむ (kakomu)) is typically associated with "to surround, to encircle" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Used when something or someone is encircled or surrounded by others. Can be used actively.
On the other hand, 取り巻く (とりまく (torimaku)) maps to "to surround; to encircle; to hover around (people)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Can describe a physical surrounding. A literal translation of "surround" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "囲む"
警察官が犯人を囲んだ。
The police officers surrounded the criminal.
Bilingual Context for "取り巻く"
その有名人が現れると、すぐに大勢のファンが彼を取り巻いた。
When that celebrity appeared, a large crowd of fans immediately surrounded him.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "警察官が犯人を囲んだ。" (Meaning: "The police officers surrounded the criminal.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "囲む" fits here because it means "to surround, to encircle" in the context of: "The police officers surrounded the criminal.". "取り巻く" represents "to surround; to encircle; to hover around (people)".