Translation guide
The English word 'reaching' can express physical extension, arriving at a place, achieving a goal, or contacting someone. This guide covers natural Japanese equivalents for each meaning.
To stretch out your arm or body to touch, grab, or access something.
Literally 'extend one's hand'. The most common way to say 'reach for something'.
彼は棚の上の本に手を伸ばした。
He reached for the book on the shelf.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to reach' or 'to be within reach'. Used when something is reachable.
そのスイッチは手が届かない。
I can't reach that switch.
Phrase meaning 'one's hand reaches'. Often used for physical reach or affordability.
この値段なら手が届く。
I can afford this price. (lit. my hand can reach it)
To get to a place, especially after a journey.
General verb for 'arrive'. Use with particle に for the destination.
駅に着いたら電話して。
Call me when you reach the station.
Formal 'arrive'. Common in announcements and written language.
まもなく東京に到着します。
We will soon reach Tokyo.
To finally arrive after difficulty. Emphasizes the effort.
To attain a target, standard, or agreement.
To achieve a goal, target, or record. Common in business and personal contexts.
目標を達成するために頑張ります。
I'll do my best to reach the goal.
To reach a certain level, amount, or state. Often used with numbers or abstract nouns.
気温が40度に達した。
The temperature reached 40 degrees.
Fixed phrase: 'reach an agreement'. Formal.
両国は合意に達した。
The two countries reached an agreement.
To get in touch with someone, especially by phone or message.
To contact or get in touch. The most common verb for reaching someone.
彼に連絡しようとしたが、つながらなかった。
I tried to reach him, but couldn't get through.
To be able to reach/contact someone. Intransitive phrase.
彼には連絡がつかなかった。
I couldn't reach him.
Specifically for getting through on the phone.
何度かけても電話がつながらない。
No matter how many times I call, I can't reach them.
To stretch over a period or distance.
To extend, reach, or affect. Used for influence, range, or time.
その影響は全国に及んだ。
The influence reached nationwide.
To extend over a period or area. Often used as にわたって.
届く (todoku) is for things reaching a point (mail, sound, hand), while 着く (tsuku) is for people/vehicles arriving. Don't use 着く for objects.
The English idiom 'reach out' (to contact/help) does not translate literally. Use 連絡する for contacting, or 手を差し伸べる for offering help.
困っている人に手を差し伸べる。
Reach out to those in need.
やっと山頂にたどり着いた。
We finally reached the summit.
The meeting lasted (reached) three hours.