()

noun
ring, circle, wheel
1. ring, circle
A circular shape or object.
()なる
To form a circle.
To sit in a circle.
The children were playing in a circle.
2. wheel
A circular object that rotates on an axle.
A wheel of a car.
The bicycle wheel got a flat tire.
The wheel is turning.
3. loop, hoop
A circular band or ring.
()ゴム()める
To fasten with a rubber band.
To bring a swimming float and go to the beach.

() refers to circular shapes like rings, circles, wheels, and loops.

COMMON COMPOUNDS:

  • 車輪(しゃりん): wheel (vehicle)
  • 指輪(ゆびわ): ring (jewelry)
  • 首輪(くびわ): collar (for pets)
  • 輪ゴム(わごむ): rubber band
  • ()(): swimming float, life ring
  • 花輪(はなわ): wreath

EXPRESSIONS:

  • ()になる: to form a circle
  • ()(つく)る: to make a circle
  • ()(ひろ)げる: to expand the circle/network
  • ()(くわ)わる: to join the circle

COUNTER:
(りん) counts rings/loops: 一輪(いちりん) (one ring/flower)

OLYMPICS:
五輪(ごりん) (five rings) is another name for the Olympics.