Translation guide
How to express emotional or physical distance in Japanese, from being aloof to being far away.
Describing a person who is not warm, friendly, or emotionally close.
Common word for 'cold' in personality, meaning unfriendly or distant.
彼は最近冷たい。
He's been distant lately.
Describes behavior that is standoffish, keeping others at arm's length.
彼女はよそよそしい態度をとった。
She acted distant.
Literally 'put distance', used for intentionally creating emotional distance.
彼は私に距離を置いている。
He is keeping his distance from me.
Curt, brusque, giving short replies; implies coldness.
そっけない返事だった。
It was a distant reply.
Describing something that is located at a distance.
Standard word for 'far' or 'distant' in physical space.
駅はここから遠い。
The station is distant from here.
Emphasizes separation; 'is separated/away'.
二つの町は遠く離れている。
The two towns are far apart.
Referring to events far in the past or future.
Describing a relationship that lacks intimacy, such as with acquaintances or estranged family.
To become estranged or drift apart; often used for friendships or family ties.
彼とは疎遠になってしまった。
I've become distant with him.
Simply 'not close', used for acquaintances.
彼とは親しくない。
I'm not close with him.