Meaning and Usage
The verb 丸める (まるめる) primarily means "to make something round" or "to roll up." It is often used when physically shaping objects like paper, cloth, or dough into a round form. Another common use is in mathematics or finance, where it means "to round off" numbers, such as rounding decimals.
Common Collocations
- 数字を丸める (すうじをまるめる): to round off numbers, used in calculations or financial contexts.
- 紙を丸める (かみをまるめる): to roll up paper, often when making a ball or for disposal.
- 布を丸める (ぬのをまるめる): to roll up cloth, for storage or packing.
Register and Nuance
丸める is a neutral verb suitable for both casual and formal contexts. When used in mathematical or business settings, it often appears in technical or written language. In everyday conversation, it is commonly used when describing physical actions like rolling or shaping objects.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 丸める with 丸い (まるい), which is an adjective meaning "round." Remember that 丸める is a verb meaning "to make round" or "to roll up," so it requires an object to act upon.
Summary
Use 丸める when you want to describe the action of making something round, rolling it up, or rounding numbers. It is versatile and appears in various contexts from crafts to math.