Japanese word

丸い

Pronunciation

Romajimarui

Meaning

  • i-adjectiveround

Example

丸い窓があります。maru i mado ga a ri ma su

There is a round window.

Illustration for 丸い (round)

More examples

このお皿は丸いです。ko no o sara wa maru i de su

This plate is round.

この皿は丸いです。ko no sara wa mari i de su

This plate is round.

Core concept

Describes a smooth, curved shape without sharp corners, like a circle or a ball.

Common phrases

  • 丸い顔maru i kao

    round face

  • 丸い目maru i me

    round eyes

  • 丸い形maru i katachi

    round shape

Similar words

真ん丸いmanmarui: Describes a shape that is completely round, like a circle or ball.
丸っこいmarukkoi: Describes a shape that is somewhat round or rounded in an informal way.

Definition in Japanese

形が円形や球形に近く、角ばっていないさま。katachi ga en kei ya kyū kei ni chika ku kaku ba tte i na i sa ma

Word origin

The native Japanese adjective 丸い (marui) combines 丸 (maru, "circle" or "round shape") with い (i, "adjective ending").

Usage tips

  • When 丸い (marui) describes handwriting, it refers to rounded, soft-looking strokes rather than the shape of the whole page.

Other meanings

  • circulari-adjective

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word