JLPT N2 grammar
〜をめぐって — Meaning & Examples
Surrounding / over — but ONLY for contested matters: debates, disputes, conflicts. Noun-modifying: をめぐる議論. Not used for friendly discussion.
〜を通じて and 〜をめぐって
〜を通じて / 〜を通して = "through / via." Two uses.
1. Through a medium or intermediary:
友人を通じて、彼を紹介してもらった。
= I was introduced to him through a friend.
インターネットを通じて、世界中の人と話せる。
= Through the internet, you can talk to people worldwide.
2. Throughout a period:
一年を通じて、この島は暖かい。
= Throughout the year, this island is warm.
を通じて vs を通して: nearly interchangeable. を通じて leans slightly more written and more common for periods; を通して leans slightly more active ("by means of"). Either is accepted on the exam.
---
〜をめぐって = "surrounding / over." Used specifically for something contested — a debate, dispute, controversy or conflict.
新しい法律をめぐって、激しい議論が続いている。
= Heated debate continues over the new law.
遺産をめぐって、家族が争っている。
= The family is fighting over the inheritance.
Noun-modifying form: をめぐる
環境問題をめぐる議論 = the debate surrounding environmental issues
The key nuance: をめぐって implies conflict or multiple competing positions. You would not use it for a friendly chat. That restriction is exactly what the exam tests. ⚔️
Practice questions
Try these 3 questions on 〜をめぐって. Pick an answer in your head, then open “Show answer”.
1. この映画は実話＿＿作られた。Which fits?
- 次第で (shidai de)
- に沿って (ni sotte)
- をめぐって (o megutte)
- に基づいて (ni motozuite)
Show answer
Answer: に基づいて (ni motozuite)
〜に基づいて = based on — the evidence or foundation. 実話に基づいて = based on a true story.
2. ご希望＿＿、プランを変更しました。Which fits?
- に基づいて
- をめぐって
- に沿って
- において
Show answer
Answer: に沿って
〜に沿って = in line with — following the shape of wishes, a policy or a plan. ご希望に沿って is standard business Japanese.
3. 〜をめぐって is used specifically for?
- Any topic of discussion
- Time periods
- Physical surroundings
- Contested matters — debates, disputes, conflicts
Show answer
Answer: Contested matters — debates, disputes, conflicts
をめぐって implies conflict or competing positions: 法律をめぐって議論が続く. You would not use it for a friendly chat.
Practise 〜をめぐって in the free app
This point is part of the “📋 Basis & Means — 次第・に基づいて・を通じて・をめぐって” lesson in A Star Japanese. Study it with examples, a quiz, flashcards and timed JLPT N2 mock exams. Free on iPhone and Android.
Free on iPhone and Android · No ads
Related N2 grammar points
From the same lesson: 📋 Basis & Means — 次第・に基づいて・を通じて・をめぐって
Frequently asked questions
What does 〜をめぐって mean?
Surrounding / over — but ONLY for contested matters: debates, disputes, conflicts. Noun-modifying: をめぐる議論. Not used for friendly discussion.
Is 〜をめぐって on the JLPT N2 test?
〜をめぐって is taught in the JLPT N2 grammar course in A Star Japanese (lesson “📋 Basis & Means — 次第・に基づいて・を通じて・をめぐって”), so it is a pattern learners at this level are expected to recognise. The JLPT does not publish an official grammar list, so treat this as a study guide rather than an official requirement.
How can I practise 〜をめぐって?
Open the “📋 Basis & Means — 次第・に基づいて・を通じて・をめぐって” lesson in the free A Star Japanese app for iPhone and Android. It has examples, a quiz after every lesson, flashcards with spaced repetition and timed JLPT N2 mock exams, with no ads.