中心
The word 'chūshin' refers to the middle or core point of a physical object or space. It is also frequently used to describe the most important part, focus, or leading figure of an activity, group, or discussion.
Examples
3 of 5駅の中心に大きい時計があります。
There is a big clock in the center of the station.
本日は、新しいプロジェクトを中心にお話しします。
Today, I will speak focusing primarily on the new project.
田中さんは、いつもクラスの中心だね。
Tanaka-san is always the center of the class, isn't he?
Word Family
Memory Tip
Look at the kanji: 中 (middle) + 心 (heart). The 'heart of the middle' is the center.
Quick Quiz
彼はこのプロジェクトの____人物です。
Correct!
The correct answer is: 中心
Examples
駅の中心に大きい時計があります。
everydayThere is a big clock in the center of the station.
本日は、新しいプロジェクトを中心にお話しします。
formalToday, I will speak focusing primarily on the new project.
田中さんは、いつもクラスの中心だね。
informalTanaka-san is always the center of the class, isn't he?
この図形の中心を求めてください。
academicPlease find the center of this figure.
わが社はアジアを中心にビジネスを展開しています。
businessOur company is expanding its business primarily in Asia.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
〜を中心として
centering around / with ... as the focus
中心を失う
to lose one's balance or focus
台風の中心
the center (eye) of the typhoon
Often Confused With
Mannaka is a more casual word for the physical middle, while chūshin can be used for abstract concepts and mathematical centers.
Chūō is often used in official names (like Chuo Line) or geographical/administrative contexts, whereas chūshin focuses on the 'core' importance.
Usage Notes
Use it with the particle 'に' (ni) or 'として' (toshite) to indicate that a specific topic or person is the main focus of an action.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes use 'aida' (between) when they mean 'chūshin' (center). Remember that chūshin is the specific core point, not just the space between things.
Memory Tip
Look at the kanji: 中 (middle) + 心 (heart). The 'heart of the middle' is the center.
Word Origin
A compound of Chinese origin (Sino-Japanese) combining the characters for 'middle' and 'heart/mind'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In Japanese society, identifying the 'chūshin' (central figure) of a group is important for understanding social hierarchy and decision-making processes.
Quick Quiz
彼はこのプロジェクトの____人物です。
Correct!
The correct answer is: 中心
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
返信
A1A reply or response sent specifically via written communication such as email, text message, or letter. It describes the act of sending information back to someone who has contacted you first.
反応
A1A response or reaction to a stimulus, action, or statement. It can refer to a person's behavior in response to something, or a physical/chemical process where substances change.
対応
A1Handling, responding to, or dealing with a situation, request, or person. It also refers to a correspondence or match between two different things, such as a translation or a mathematical relationship.
措置
A1A formal term referring to a specific measure, step, or action taken to deal with a particular situation or problem. It is most commonly used in official, legal, or administrative contexts to describe a deliberate and systematic response.
手段
A1A way or method used to achieve a specific goal or purpose. It refers to the 'means' through which an action is carried out or a result is obtained.
手法
A1A specific technique, method, or manner of expression used to achieve a particular result, especially in artistic, technical, or academic contexts. It refers to the 'how' behind a creation or an action, emphasizing the skill or approach involved.
技法
A1A specific method or technique used to perform an artistic or technical task. It refers to the specialized 'how-to' skills involved in creation, particularly in arts, crafts, and literature.
方式
A1A formal term referring to an established system, method, or formula used to carry out a process. It describes a structured or technical approach rather than just a simple way of doing something.
規格
A1A specific standard or technical specification used for industrial products, dimensions, or quality requirements. It ensures uniformity and compatibility between different items or systems.
水準
A1Refers to a standard, level, or benchmark of quality, skill, or achievement. It is used to describe how high or low a certain state is compared to a norm or expectation.
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