Translation guide
In Japanese, referring to neighbors depends on context: nearby residents, adjacent houses, or neighboring countries. The most common word is 隣人 (りんじん) for people, but 近所 (きんじょ) is used for the neighborhood area. For immediate next-door neighbors, 隣 (となり) is natural. Pronouns are often omitted when the referent is clear.
Referring to neighbors as people in the neighborhood or community.
General term for a neighbor as a person. Slightly formal; used in writing or polite speech.
隣人と仲良くしています。
I get along well with my neighbors.
Literally 'person of the neighborhood'. Very common in casual conversation.
近所の人に会ったら挨拶する。
I greet my neighbors when I see them.
Friendly, polite way to refer to neighbors. Often used when speaking to or about neighbors with warmth.
ご近所さんからおすそ分けをいただきました。
I received some homemade food from a neighbor.
Specifically the person living next door. More immediate than 近所の人.
隣の人がうるさくて困っている。
I'm having trouble with my next-door neighbor being noisy.
Referring to the physical neighboring dwelling or building.
The house next door. Used for the building itself.
隣の家は空き家だ。
The house next door is vacant.
Polite form of 隣, often used for the neighboring house or family.
お隣から物音が聞こえる。
I can hear noises from next door.
Referring to nations or areas that share a border.
Neighboring country. Formal, used in news or geopolitical contexts.
日本と韓国は隣国です。
Japan and Korea are neighboring countries.
Referring to the local area or community, not specific people.
The neighborhood, vicinity. Used for the area around one's home.
この近所は静かで住みやすい。
This neighborhood is quiet and easy to live in.
Polite form of 近所, often used when speaking about one's own neighborhood to others.
ご近所に新しいカフェができました。
A new cafe opened in my neighborhood.
隣人 (りんじん) is a formal word for neighbor, often used in writing or official contexts. 近所の人 (きんじょのひと) is the everyday term for people in your neighborhood. In casual speech, 近所の人 is much more common.
隣人とのトラブル
trouble with a neighbor (formal)
近所の人と立ち話をする
chat with a neighbor (casual)
When the neighbor is clear from context, Japanese often omits the subject. Saying '私の隣人' (my neighbor) every time sounds unnatural. Use 隣の人 or just 隣 when the relationship is obvious.
近所の人はとても親切です。
My neighbors are very friendly.
隣の人を夕食に招きました。
We invited the neighbors over for dinner.
Neighboring countries (plural). Used in diplomatic or economic contexts.
近隣諸国との関係を強化する。
Strengthen relations with neighboring countries.