環境
Kankyou refers to the surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates. It can describe the natural world (the environment) or specific social/physical settings like home, school, or work.
Examples
3 of 5新しい環境に早く慣れたいです。
I want to get used to the new environment quickly.
地球の自然環境を守るべきです。
We should protect the Earth's natural environment.
ここ、勉強する環境じゃないよ。
This isn't a good environment for studying, you know.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the kanji: 環 (kan) means 'circle/surround' and 境 (kyou) means 'boundary'. It is the boundary that circles around you.
Quick Quiz
地球の( )を守るために、ゴミを減らしましょう。
Correct!
The correct answer is: 環境
Examples
新しい環境に早く慣れたいです。
everydayI want to get used to the new environment quickly.
地球の自然環境を守るべきです。
formalWe should protect the Earth's natural environment.
ここ、勉強する環境じゃないよ。
informalThis isn't a good environment for studying, you know.
家庭環境は子供の発育に大きな影響を与えます。
academicThe home environment has a major influence on a child's development.
弊社は働きやすい労働環境を整えています。
businessOur company is providing a comfortable working environment.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
環境に慣れる
to get used to one's surroundings
環境を整える
to prepare or set up an environment
環境適応
adaptation to the environment
Often Confused With
Joukyou refers to a specific 'situation' or 'state of affairs' at a point in time, while kankyou refers to the broader surroundings or conditions.
Mawari usually refers to literal physical space or people nearby, while kankyou is more abstract and includes conditions/influence.
Usage Notes
Kankyou is a versatile word used for both the 'green' environment (nature) and the 'contextual' environment (work, home). In A1/A2 levels, it often appears in phrases about moving to a new city or starting a new job.
Common Mistakes
Don't use kankyou to mean 'circumstances' in a legal or excuse-making sense; use 'jijou' or 'joukyou' instead.
Memory Tip
Think of the kanji: 環 (kan) means 'circle/surround' and 境 (kyou) means 'boundary'. It is the boundary that circles around you.
Word Origin
A compound word from Middle Chinese: 'kan' (to encircle) + 'kyou' (border/area).
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In Japan, 'environmentally friendly' (kankyou ni yasashii) is a very common marketing term found on many products.
Quick Quiz
地球の( )を守るために、ゴミを減らしましょう。
Correct!
The correct answer is: 環境
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
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下車
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芸術
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美術
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絵画
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彫刻
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工芸
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陶芸
A1The art or craft of making pottery and ceramics by shaping clay and firing it at high temperatures. It encompasses both the creative process and the resulting artistic pieces used in daily life or exhibitions.
書道
A1The Japanese art of calligraphy, often performed with a brush and ink. It is considered a path to spiritual refinement and artistic expression through the stylized writing of characters.
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