How to say "approach" in Japanese

• くるJLPT N5approx.Common
  kuru verb, intransitive verbThe basic verb 'to come', whether in space or time. Its 'approach' sense is simply coming toward someone or something, so when English specifically says 'approach', 近づく is usually the closer match.
  １０時じまでに来きます。↗

  I'll come by 10.
• 近づくちかづくJLPT N1approx.Common
  godan verb, intransitive verbThe neutral, all-purpose verb for getting close: physically moving near a person, place, or thing, or an event drawing near. Usually the safest choice for the motion sense of 'approach'.
  クリスマスが近ちかづいてきた。↗

  Christmas is fast approaching.
• 寄るよるJLPT N4approx.Common
  godan verb, intransitive verbTo come near or move in close, and it can also mean being close to something. Use it when 'approach' amounts to coming near or getting in close to a person or thing.
• 迫るせまるJLPT N2approx.Common
  godan verb, intransitive verbTo draw near with a sense of pressure — the verb for something imminent, closing in on you in time or space. Choose it when 'approach' feels urgent or threatening, as with a looming deadline.
  時間じかんが刻々こっこくと迫せまっている。↗

  Time is pressing every moment.
• アプローチJLPT N1approx.Common
  noun, suru verb, intransitive verbA noun for 'approach' as a way of tackling a problem or issue — a method or strategy, with no motion involved. Use it when 'approach' means how you go about something.
  これらの図式ずしきは求職きゅうしょくに関かんする様々さまざまなアプローチを示しめしている。↗

  These diagrams demonstrate different possible approaches to job seeking.

For physical or temporal nearness, choose among the four verbs by nuance — simply coming, closing the distance, moving in close, or bearing down as something imminent — while 「アプローチ」 is the noun for a way of tackling a problem.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• くるto come (spatially or temporally)
• 近づくちかづくto approach
• 寄るよるto approach
• 迫るせまるto approach
• アプローチapproach (to a problem, issue, etc.)
• 近寄るちかよるto approach
• 差し掛かるさしかかるto come near (to)
• 進入しんにゅうentry
• 出方でかたattitude
• 入り口いりぐちentrance
• 考え方かんがえかたway of thinking
• 寄り付くよりつくto approach
• 見付みつけapproach (to a castle gate)
• 押し迫るおしせまるto draw near
• 対処法たいしょほうcoping method
• なんなんとするto close in on (30 years of age, etc.)
• 触るさわるto get involved (with)
• 姿勢しせいattitude
• 発想はっそうway of thinking
• 方角ほうがくmethod
• 歩み寄るあゆみよるto step up to
• 袂たもとvicinity (esp. of a bridge)
• 線せんline (of action)
• 迎えるむかえるto reach (a certain time, a point in one's life, etc.)
• 取っ付くとっつくto approach (a person)