Translation guide
To approach or come closer in space, time, or relationship. Japanese uses different verbs depending on what is approaching and the context.
To move closer to a person, place, or object in physical space.
General verb for approaching or getting near. Intransitive; the subject is what draws near.
台風が近づいている。
A typhoon is drawing near.
彼がゆっくりと近づいてきた。
He slowly drew near.
To approach or come close, often implying intentional movement toward someone or something. Intransitive.
犬が私に近寄ってきた。
A dog drew near to me.
To draw near with a sense of urgency, pressure, or threat. Often used for deadlines, danger, or intense situations.
締め切りが迫っている。
The deadline is drawing near.
敵が迫ってきた。
The enemy drew near.
Formal or technical term for approaching, often used in news, weather reports, or military contexts.
台風が本州に接近しています。
A typhoon is drawing near Honshu.
To indicate that a point in time or an event is getting closer.
Also used for time and events. Very common.
夏休みが近づいてきた。
Summer vacation is drawing near.
Emphasizes that a deadline or important event is imminent, often with pressure.
Adverb meaning 'soon' or 'before long', often used to say something is drawing near in time.
To become closer in a relationship or emotional bond.
To become close or intimate with someone. Natural for friendships and personal relationships.
彼女と親しくなりたい。
I want to draw near to her (emotionally).
Literally 'the distance shrinks', used metaphorically for relationships becoming closer.
一緒に旅行して、二人の距離が縮まった。
Traveling together drew us near.
To approach God or a higher power in a religious or spiritual sense.
Used in religious contexts to mean drawing near to God.
祈りを通して神に近づく。
Draw near to God through prayer.
近づく is the most general and neutral. 近寄る often implies intentional movement toward a person or animal. 迫る carries a sense of urgency, pressure, or threat, and is common for deadlines, danger, or intense approach.
春が近づく (neutral)
Spring draws near.
子供が母親に近寄る (intentional)
A child draws near to their mother.
危険が迫る (urgent/threatening)
Danger draws near.
While 近づく can be used for emotional closeness, 親しくなる or 距離が縮まる are more natural for personal relationships. 近づく alone might sound physical or literal.
The exam is drawing near.
もうすぐ春ですね。
Spring is drawing near, isn't it?