Translation guide
How to express the idea of creating emotional, social, or physical distance from someone or something in Japanese.
To create emotional or social distance from a person, group, or situation, often to avoid association or conflict.
Literally 'put distance', this is the most common and natural way to say 'distance oneself from' in a social or emotional sense. It implies intentionally creating space.
彼とは最近距離を置いている。
I've been distancing myself from him lately.
To physically move away from someone or something, or to keep a physical distance.
Literally 'take distance', this is used for physically moving away or maintaining space, such as in social distancing or avoiding close contact.
人混みでは距離を取るようにしている。
I try to keep my distance in crowds.
To publicly or privately disassociate oneself from a statement, action, or group, often to avoid blame or association.
Literally 'sever relations', this is a strong expression for cutting ties or disassociating completely.
彼はその団体との関係を断った。
He distanced himself from that organization.
距離を置く (kyori o oku) is primarily for emotional/social distance, while 距離を取る (kyori o toru) is for physical distance. However, 距離を置く can sometimes be used for physical distance in formal contexts.
彼女とは距離を置いている。
I'm distancing myself from her (emotionally).
車間距離を取って運転する。
Drive while keeping a distance between cars.
Avoid directly translating 'distance oneself from' word-for-word. Phrases like 自分を遠ざける (jibun o toozakeru) are not natural in Japanese for this meaning. Use the idiomatic expressions provided instead.
You should distance yourself from that group.
Literally 'draw a line', this means to set a clear boundary, often in relationships or when distinguishing oneself from something.
仕事とプライベートは一線を引いている。
I draw a line between work and private life.
Literally 'pull oneself back', this means to withdraw or step back from a situation, often to avoid trouble or to let others take over.
彼は争いから身を引いた。
He distanced himself from the conflict.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to separate' or 'to move away'. Can be used for physical distancing, but also for emotional distance in some contexts.
危険なのでその場所から離れた。
I distanced myself from that place because it was dangerous.
Literally 'pull one's hand', meaning to withdraw from an involvement or project, often to avoid further association.
彼はその計画から手を引いた。
He distanced himself from the plan.