Grammar
N2 particle

Centring on 〜を中心に(して)

Meaning

"Centring on ~", "with ~ at the core".

Formation

Notes

Names the core around which something is arranged or from which it spreads. It is the usual way to describe where a trend starts or how a programme is organised.

Examples

This song is a hit, mainly among young people.

Breakdown
young people centring on song is popular

The railways developed with Tokyo at the centre.

Breakdown
Tokyo centring on railways developed

We discussed matters with the environment at the centre.

Breakdown
environmental issues centring on discussed

This is a programme built around children.

Breakdown
children centred on programme

The town spreads out from the station.

Breakdown
station centring on town is spreading

⚠️ Often confused with

Toward / in contrast to 〜に対して

Two jobs: the target an attitude is directed at — "toward ~" — and a contrast — "whereas ~...

About / concerning 〜について

Names the subject matter — "about ~", "concerning ~".

In / at 〜において

The formal written equivalent of で — "in ~", "at ~", "in the field of ~".

For / to 〜にとって

Gives the standpoint a judgement is made from — "for ~", "from ~'s point of view".

As / in the role of 〜として

Names a capacity or role — "as ~", "in the capacity of ~".

Suited for 〜向き / 〜向け

向き = "suited to ~ (by nature)". 向け = "made for ~ (on purpose)".

Over / concerning 〜をめぐって

"Over ~", "concerning ~" — the point people are arguing about.

When it comes to 〜にかけては

"When it comes to ~ (nobody beats them)".

Spanning 〜にわたって

"Over / across ~" — a stretch of time, space or number.

Through / throughout 〜を通じて / 〜を通して

"Through ~" (a medium); "throughout ~" (a whole span).

From the standpoint of 〜から見ると / 〜からすると

"Seen from ~", "judging from ~".