周り

This noun refers to the area, space, or region surrounding a particular object, place, or person. It can mean 'surroundings', 'vicinity', or 'environment'. While 'surroundings' and 'vicinity' are often direct translations, '周り' can also broadly describe a general, contextually dependent 'area around' something, which lacks a single direct English equivalent. It can also refer to the people or things immediately present around someone, similar to 'one's circle' or 'the people around you'. It is closely related to 周囲, which often carries a more formal nuance.

• 家の周りは静かで、夜は星が見えます。 — The area around my house is quiet, and you can see stars at night.
• 彼はいつも周りの人たちを大切にします。 — He always cares for the people around him.
• 駅の周りには新しい店がたくさんあります。 — There are many new shops in the vicinity of the station.

As an adverb, '周り' indicates movement or position in a circular direction, or being located in the proximity of something. It can be translated as 'around', 'in the vicinity', or 'nearby'.

• 公園の周りをジョギングしました。 — I jogged around the park.
• 地球は太陽の周りを回っています。 — The Earth revolves around the sun.
• お店は駅から歩いてすぐの周りにあります。 — The shop is located nearby, just a short walk from the station.