N3 · Structured courses

～wo Chushin ni: Centered On

Learn wo chushin ni for "centered on / focusing on." This lesson combines form, context, examples, common mistakes, and practice so you can use the pattern in real communication.

12 minNihongo Hub Editorial TeamPublished 2026-06-06Updated 2026-06-06

Learning objectives

  • Lesson goals: Learn wo chushin ni for "centered on / focusing on."
  • Form and connection: [Noun] を中心ちゅうしんに
  • Nuance in real use: を中心に paints a radial picture — a core with other things arranged around it. In Japanese geography and social organization, this center-periphery structure is everywhere.

Form and connection

[Noun] を中心ちゅうしんに

Core Explanation

Learn wo chushin ni for "centered on / focusing on."

Cultural Note

を中心に paints a radial picture — a core with other things arranged around it. In Japanese geography and social organization, this center-periphery structure is everywhere.

Practical examples

I operate mainly in Tokyo.
We built the team around him.

Common pitfalls

Build the base form before adding the pattern

Complete the required conjugation first. Do not keep polite and plain endings at the same time.

Match politeness to the situation

The examples are reliable starting points; relationships and context can still change the most natural wording.

Practice and answers

1. Write the connection formula for this lesson.
Show answer[Noun] を中心ちゅうしんに
2. Explain the meaning of the first example.
Show answerI operate mainly in Tokyo.
3. Rewrite the final example using this lesson pattern.
Show answer彼かれを中心ちゅうしんにチームを作つくった。 ([Noun] を中心ちゅうしんに)

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