A1 noun Neutral #3,619 most common

中心

chūshin /t͡ɕɯᵝːɕĩɴ/

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
1

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.

2

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.

3

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

Noun
中心
Verb
中心にする
Adverb
中心に
Adjective
中心的な
Related
中心点
💡

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

1

駅の中心に大きい時計があります。

everyday

There is a big clock in the center of the station.

2

本日は、新しいプロジェクトを中心にお話しします。

formal

Today, I will speak focusing primarily on the new project.

3

田中さんは、いつもクラスの中心だね。

informal

Tanaka-san is always the center of the class, isn't he?

4

この図形の中心を求めてください。

academic

Please find the center of this figure.

5

わが社はアジアを中心にビジネスを展開しています。

business

Our company is expanding its business primarily in Asia.

Word Family

Noun
中心
Verb
中心にする
Adverb
中心に
Adjective
中心的な
Related
中心点

Common Collocations

中心になる to become the center/leader
話題の中心 the center of the conversation
町の中心 the town center
中心人物 central figure
中心的な役割 central role

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

中心 vs 真ん中 (mannaka)

Mannaka is a more casual word for the physical middle, while chūshin can be used for abstract concepts and mathematical centers.

中心 vs 中央 (chūō)

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

Noun + を中心に (Focusing on Noun) Noun + が中心だ (Noun is the center) 中心的な + Noun (Central Noun)
🌍

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 Words

返信

A1

A 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

A1

A 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

A1

Handling, 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

A1

A 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

A1

A 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

A1

A 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

A1

A 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

A1

A 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

A1

A 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

A1

Refers 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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