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March 24, 2026
周围(周圍)zhōuwéi(zhou1wei2)
周围 (zhōu wéi) refers to the surroundings or environment of a specific location. It is commonly used to describe the area around a person or object and can imply both physical and abstract contexts, such as social surroundings.
Strokes15Frequency#1442DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of one's 周围 is essential, especially in social contexts, as it reflects one’s connections and relationships within a community or environment. The idea of being aware of one's surroundings is often linked to harmony and balance in life.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'zoo' (sounds like 'zhou') where animals are 'weighing' (sounds like 'wei') their surroundings. Picture each animal observing its environment closely, signifying the meaning of 周围 as they encompass their surroundings.
Meanings of 周围
zhōuwéi(zhou1wei2)
1surroundings
2environment
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About 周围
周围Simplified
周圍Traditional
15Strokes
—Radical
方位词direction word (dir.)Part of Speech
#1442Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 周围
Podcast: 周围
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AI Study Notes for 周围
Quick Contrast
周边 (zhōubiān) — use 周围 (zhōuwéi) when emphasizing the immediate environment or context, while 周边 (zhōubiān) can imply a broader or more peripheral area.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 周围 with 环境 (huánjìng), which also means 'environment' but has a broader context. This word is neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal situations, often paired with verbs like '观察' (to observe) or '了解' (to understand).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 4 word, 周围 connects with other words describing locations and environments, such as 附近 (fùjìn - nearby) and 外面 (wàimiàn - outside). Focus on using it in sentences that describe where things are relative to each other.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is to use 周围 solely for physical locations, neglecting its use in social contexts. For example, saying '我喜欢我的周围' (I like my surroundings) is correct, but learners might mistakenly limit it to just physical aspects.
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Pronunciation of 周围
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周围 (zhōu wéi) refers to the surroundings or environment of a specific location. It is commonly used to describe the area around a person or object and can imply both physical and abstract contexts, such as social surroundings.
When to use 周围
Learners often confuse 周围 with 环境 (huánjìng), which also means 'environment' but has a broader context. This word is neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal situations, often paired with verbs like '观察' (to observe) or '了解' (to understand).
周围 or something close to it
周边 (zhōubiān) — use 周围 (zhōuwéi) when emphasizing the immediate environment or context, while 周边 (zhōubiān) can imply a broader or more peripheral area.
What learners get wrong
A common mistake is to use 周围 solely for physical locations, neglecting its use in social contexts. For example, saying '我喜欢我的周围' (I like my surroundings) is correct, but learners might mistakenly limit it to just physical aspects.
Write 周围
周
围
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Grammar Patterns of 周围
周围 carries 3 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
