Japanese Conversation · Level 111
60 words
Japanese word
包囲
Pronunciation
Romajihōi
Meaning
- nounsiege
Example
敵は町を包囲しました。teki wa machi o hō i shi ma shi ta
The enemy laid siege to the town.
More examples
城は三か月の包囲に耐えました。shiro wa san ka getsu no hō i ni ta e ma shi ta
The castle endured a three-month siege.
Core concept
Means creating a complete ring around a place to isolate it from its surroundings.
Common phrases
包囲を解くhō i o to ku
lift the siege
包囲を受けるhō i o u ke ru
come under siege
包囲を強めるhō i o tsuyo me ru
tighten the siege
Definition in Japanese
攻める側が相手のいる場所を取り囲み、孤立させること。se me ru gawa ga ai te no i ru ba sho o to ri kako mi ko ritsu sa se ru ko to
Word origin
包囲 (hōi, "encirclement") is a Sino-Japanese word made from 包 (hō, "wrap") and 囲 (i, "surround").
Usage tips
- In news and strategy writing, encirclement can describe a force surrounding another force, while siege usually suggests a trapped city or stronghold.
Other meanings
- encirclementnoun
Opposites
- 解囲kaikakoilifting of a siegenoun
Related words
- 包囲するhōisurubesiegeverb