サークル
さーくる
noun
circle, club (university)
1.
club, circle (university/hobby group)
An informal group or club, especially at a university, organized around a shared interest or activity. Less formal and less competitive than a 部活 (official club).
テニスサークルに入った。
I joined the tennis circle.
大学ではどんなサークルに入っていますか。
What club are you in at university?
サークルの仲間と旅行に行く予定だ。
I'm planning to go on a trip with my club friends.
2.
circle (shape)
A round shape or ring.
サークルを描く。
To draw a circle.
子供たちがサークルになって座った。
The children sat in a circle.
地図に赤いサークルで印をつけた。
I marked the map with a red circle.
CULTURAL NOTE:
In Japanese universities, サークル refers to casual student clubs, as opposed to 部活 (official athletic or cultural clubs), which are more structured, demanding, and competitive. サークル activities are more relaxed and social.
USAGE:
Sense 1 is the dominant meaning in everyday conversation. Common question at university: どのサークルに入ってる？ (What circle are you in?)
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- サークル活動: circle/club activities
- サークルの飲み会: circle drinking party
- 同人サークル: doujin circle (group producing fan works)