Translation guide
The English verb "adjoin" means to be next to or share a boundary with something. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through verbs, adjectives, and descriptive phrases depending on the relationship between the objects.
To describe two things that are next to each other and share a boundary, such as buildings, rooms, or pieces of land.
The most direct and common translation for 'adjoin' in formal or written contexts. Used for buildings, land, rooms, etc.
私の家は公園に隣接している。
My house adjoins the park.
会議室はロビーに隣接しています。
The conference room adjoins the lobby.
To describe abstract things that are closely connected or next to each other, such as ideas, periods, or events.
Means 'closely related' or 'intimately connected'. Used when two abstract things are adjacent in a conceptual sense.
この二つの問題は密接に関係している。
These two issues adjoin each other. (These two issues are closely related.)
While 隣接する is the most direct translation, it sounds unnatural for people or small movable objects. Use 隣にいる (for people) or 隣にある (for objects) instead.
彼は私の隣に座っている。
He is sitting next to me. (Not: He adjoins me.)
隣接する is more formal and often used in written descriptions of buildings or land. 隣り合う is more casual and can be used for everyday situations like rooms or seats. Both imply sharing a boundary or being immediately next to each other.
A more casual, everyday way to say 'be next to each other'. Often used for rooms, houses, or seats.
私たちの部屋は隣り合っている。
Our rooms adjoin each other.
Literally 'faces ~', used when a building or room opens onto or directly borders something like a street or courtyard.
ホテルは海に面している。
The hotel adjoins the sea. (The hotel faces the sea.)
A more technical or formal verb meaning 'to touch' or 'to be in contact with', used for boundaries or edges.
この土地は道路に接している。
This land adjoins the road.
Can be used metaphorically for abstract things that are next to each other, like time periods or categories.
春と夏は隣り合っている季節だ。
Spring and summer are adjoining seasons.