What does "maru" mean in Japanese?

Answer by  Anonymous

From Japan. "maru" is a noun means "circle". FYI, Japanese use circles for describing "correct answer" so it reminds me somthing positive. "batsu" is a negation of "maru". I think using it for name is not so usual because that is archaic and formal today.

Answer by  Scrappy (48)

The literal meaning is "round" or "circle. " It is used as a suffix added to a last name, much the way "son" is added to last names in Europe/North America.

Answer by  ackunai (24)

Often attached to ship names as a suffix ending, it has the connotation of "circle" and/or "round. " However, in the contexts of linguistics it can also apply to punctuation and acts as a full-stop within text and also serves as a diacritic in Japanese Kana.