Translation guide
The English verb 'relate' has several distinct meanings. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression depending on whether they mean 'tell a story,' 'connect two things,' 'understand someone's feelings,' or 'have a good relationship.'
To narrate, recount, or report events or information.
The most common and general verb for 'to tell' or 'to speak.' Used for relating stories, experiences, or information.
彼は旅行の経験を話した。
He related his travel experiences.
A more literary or formal verb for 'to tell' or 'to recount,' often used for stories, legends, or personal histories.
祖母は昔話を語った。
My grandmother related old tales.
Formal verb meaning 'to state' or 'to express.' Used in official contexts to relate facts or opinions.
彼は会議で意見を述べた。
He related his opinion at the meeting.
To show or establish a connection between ideas, events, or objects.
Transitive verb meaning 'to relate' or 'to connect' two things. Often used in analytical or explanatory contexts.
彼はその事件を過去の出来事と関連付けた。
He related the incident to past events.
Pattern meaning 'to be related to' or 'to have to do with.' Used for connections in a broad sense.
この問題は環境に関係している。
This problem relates to the environment.
Phrase meaning 'to be related' or 'to have a relationship.' Common in everyday speech.
その二つの事件には関係がある。
The two incidents are related.
To feel sympathy or identify with someone's situation or feelings.
Verb meaning 'to empathize' or 'to sympathize.' The most direct equivalent for 'relate to' in the emotional sense.
私は彼の気持ちに共感できる。
I can relate to his feelings.
Colloquial phrase meaning 'to understand someone's feelings.' Very natural in conversation.
彼女の気持ちがわかるよ。
I can relate to how she feels.
To get along well or interact harmoniously.
Common phrase meaning 'to be on good terms' or 'to get along well.' Used for personal relationships.
彼とはあまり仲が良くない。
I don't relate well to him.
Verb phrase meaning 'to get along well' or 'to manage a relationship successfully.' Often used with 'with someone' (〜と).
彼女は同僚とうまくやっている。
She relates well to her colleagues.
Formal verb meaning 'to interact' or 'to exchange.' Used for social or professional relating.
彼は地域社会と交流している。
He relates to the local community.
English 'relate to' in the sense of understanding or empathizing does not have a single direct verb in Japanese. Using 関係する (かんけいする) would mean 'to be connected' rather than 'to empathize.' Use 共感する or 気持ちがわかる instead.
彼の話に関係できる。
I can relate to his story. (unnatural)
彼の話に共感できる。
I can relate to his story. (natural)
Transitive verb meaning 'to link' or 'to tie together.' Implies a strong or causal connection.
彼女はそのデータを理論に結び付けた。
She related the data to the theory.
Idiomatic phrase meaning 'to have experienced something oneself,' often used when relating to a mistake or negative experience.
遅刻の言い訳には身に覚えがある。
I can relate to making excuses for being late.