圏(けん)

けん
noun, suffix
zone; sphere; area
1. zone; sphere; area; region
A defined area or sphere of influence, activity, or characteristics. Most commonly used as a suffix attached to another word to indicate a zone or region defined by that word.
首都(しゅと)圏(けん)は人口(じんこう)が多(おお)い。
The capital region has a large population.
英語(えいご)圏(けん)の国(くに)に留学(りゅうがく)したい。
I want to study abroad in an English-speaking country.
台風(たいふう)の暴風(ぼうふう)圏(けん)に入(はい)る前(まえ)に避難(ひなん)してください。
Please evacuate before entering the typhoon's storm zone.

圏(けん) is most commonly used as a suffix meaning '-sphere,' '-zone,' or '-speaking area.' It defines a region characterized by a particular quality, language, or phenomenon. It is a productive suffix that combines with many different words.

COMMON COMPOUNDS:

  • 首都(しゅと)圏(けん) (capital region, greater metropolitan area)
  • 英語(えいご)圏(けん) (English-speaking world)
  • 通勤(つうきん)圏(けん) (commuting zone)
  • 暴風(ぼうふう)圏(けん) (storm zone)
  • 成層(せいそう)圏(けん) (stratosphere)
  • 大気(たいき)圏(けん) (atmosphere)
  • 勢力(せいりょく)圏(けん) (sphere of influence)
  • 生活(せいかつ)圏(けん) (living area, daily activity zone)

USAGE:
圏(けん) is primarily used as a suffix and rarely stands alone. It attaches to nouns to create compound words describing zones, regions, or spheres. The reading けん is used in most compounds; the alternative reading かん appears in a few words like 語圏(ごけん).

general
Added 2026.4.1 7:18
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