Translation guide
The area near or around a particular place. In Japanese, this is most commonly expressed with words like 近く (chikaku) or 辺り (atari), but the best choice depends on whether you're talking about a general neighborhood, the immediate surroundings, or a specific location's vicinity.
Expressing that something is in the general area around a place, not necessarily right next to it.
The most common and versatile word for 'nearby' or 'in the vicinity of'. Can be used as a noun or adverb.
駅の近くに住んでいます。
I live in the vicinity of the station.
この近くにコンビニはありますか。
Is there a convenience store in this vicinity?
Refers to a broader area or neighborhood. Often used when the exact location is vague or when describing the general atmosphere.
この辺りは静かですね。
This vicinity is quiet, isn't it.
駅の辺りで待ち合わせましょう。
Let's meet in the vicinity of the station.
A slightly more formal term for 'vicinity' or 'neighborhood', often used in written language or announcements.
この付近で事件がありました。
There was an incident in this vicinity.
Emphasizing that something is very close, in the immediate surroundings of a place.
Literally 'right nearby', used to stress that something is in the immediate vicinity.
ホテルは駅のすぐ近くです。
The hotel is in the immediate vicinity of the station.
Refers to the surrounding area or periphery. Often used for facilities or environmental descriptions.
駅周辺にはたくさんの店があります。
There are many shops in the vicinity of the station.
Describing a location relative to a specific landmark or point, often with a sense of 'around there'.
The standard pattern: [place]の近く means 'near [place]' or 'in the vicinity of [place]'.
図書館の近くに公園があります。
There is a park in the vicinity of the library.
Similar to ～の近く but implies a slightly wider or vaguer area.
東京タワーの辺りで写真を撮りました。
I took photos in the vicinity of Tokyo Tower.
近く is the most common and neutral. 辺り is more colloquial and implies a broader, less defined area. 付近 is formal and often used in written contexts or official announcements.
To say 'this vicinity' or 'that vicinity', combine with demonstratives: この近く (this vicinity), その辺り (that vicinity), etc. 辺り is especially common with この/その/あの.