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 16-3. Two types of round 丸い vs 円い

In lesson 5 we learned 円 which shares a reading with 丸. Both of these kanji
can mean “round”.

round round
丸い 円い

まる・い まる・い

There is a key difference though.

(円) Used for FLAT or 2D round objects

round shape, circle circumference round table
円形 円周 円卓

えん・けい えん・しゅう えん・たく

(丸) Used for SPHERICAL or 3D objects
bullet, shot, shell buzz cut (haircut) round pill

弾丸 丸刈り 丸薬

だん・がん まる・がり がん・やく

In some cases 丸 and 円 can both be used, If you occasionally mix up 丸

and 円 when the reading is まる don’t worry… because you are JUST LIKE
many Japanese people.

(丸) This is used 3D objects

round, circular round face

円型/丸型 丸顔/円顔

まる・がた まる・がお