圈子
quān zi · HSK 7
circle
⭕ 圈 = ring/circle + 子 = noun suffix; the social circle you run in
圈 carries the loop meaning; 子 is the same neutral-tone suffix seen in 桌子 and 椅子. Together 圈子 names a closed loop of people — your clique or scene — not a drawn shape.
圈 — enclosure 囗 + juàn 卷 (phonetic)
A semantic-phonetic compound: the outer 囗 ('enclosure') gives the meaning of a ring or pen, while the inner 卷 supplies the sound. Originally it referred to a fenced enclosure for animals, then broadened to mean any circle, ring, or social circle.
子 — pictograph of a baby/child with arms out
子 began as a pictograph of a swaddled infant with a large head and outstretched arms, originally meaning 'baby' or 'child.' From there it broadened to 'son,' 'offspring,' and a respectful suffix for masters like 孔子 (Confucius). It also became one of the twelve earthly branches.