Translation guide
Expresses physical or metaphorical nearness, approximation, or emotional closeness. Japanese uses different words and patterns depending on whether you mean physical proximity, approximate numbers, or a close relationship.
Describing something that is near a place, object, or person in space.
Noun meaning 'near' or 'vicinity'. Often used with の to modify another noun, or as 近くに for location.
駅の近くに住んでいます。
I live close to the station.
近くの公園で遊んだ。
We played at a nearby park.
Means 'near' or 'by the side of'. Implies very close proximity, often within reach or right next to something.
ずっとそばにいてください。
Please stay close to me.
机のそばにカバンがある。
There is a bag close to the desk.
Adjective meaning 'close' or 'near'. Used in predicates or to modify nouns directly.
ここから駅まで近いですか。
Is it close to the station from here?
近い将来、引っ越す予定です。
I plan to move in the near future.
Pattern meaning 'very close to ~'. すぐ emphasizes immediate proximity.
コンビニは家のすぐ近くです。
The convenience store is very close to my house.
Indicating that a number, time, or quantity is near a certain value.
Prefix meaning 'approximately' or 'about'. Used before numbers.
約100人が参加した。
Close to 100 people participated.
ここから約10分です。
It's about 10 minutes from here.
Adverb meaning 'almost' or 'nearly'. Suggests very close to the stated amount.
仕事はほぼ終わった。
The work is almost finished.
Can also be used for approximate numbers, especially with counters or time.
Pattern meaning 'close to ~' for numbers or states. Used after a noun or number.
完成に近い状態だ。
It's in a state close to completion.
Describing a close relationship, bond, or feeling of intimacy.
Adjective meaning 'close' or 'intimate' for relationships. Used for friends or family.
彼とは親しい友人です。
He is a close friend.
親しい間柄でも礼儀は大切だ。
Even in close relationships, manners are important.
Phrase meaning 'to be on good terms' or 'close'. Describes the relationship between people.
あの二人はとても仲がいい。
Those two are very close.
Na-adjective meaning 'close' or 'intimate', often used for abstract connections like ties or relations.
両国は密接な関係にある。
The two countries have a close relationship.
Expressing that something is on the verge of happening or nearly a certain state.
Pattern meaning 'close to (a state)'. Used after nouns describing conditions.
彼の態度は無礼に近い。
His attitude is close to rude.
Pattern meaning 'was close to doing ~' or 'almost did ~'. Used for near occurrences.
もう少しで電車に乗り遅れるところだった。
I was close to missing the train.
Adverb meaning 'narrowly' or 'almost', used when something bad nearly happened.
近く is a general word for 'nearby' and can refer to a wider area. そば implies being right next to something, often within arm's reach. Use そば for very close physical proximity.
駅の近くに住んでいる。
I live near the station. (general area)
彼のそばに座った。
I sat close to him. (right next to him)
The adjective 近い is not used to describe close relationships between people. Use 親しい or 仲がいい instead.
彼は近い友達です。
He is a close friend. (unnatural)
彼は親しい友達です。
He is a close friend. (natural)
ほぼ全員が賛成した。
Close to everyone agreed.
Close to 100 people came.
I was close to having an accident.