How to say "near" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 近いちかいi-adjectiveThe plain adjective for physical nearness: a station, shop or town that is not far away. If you simply want to say something is near or close in distance, this is the word.
- 近くちかくno-adjective, adverbNames the vicinity or neighbourhood of a place: use it to say something is near a landmark, e.g. near the station. Choose this when 'near' points to a location rather than describing distance.
- 間近まぢかna-adjective, nounFor things right up close or just about to happen: watching something at close range, or an event or deadline drawing near. It conveys immediacy rather than plain distance.
- 密接みっせつna-adjective, nounNot about physical distance at all: it describes close relationships, connections or ties between people or things. For spatial 'near' it is seldom the word you want.
- 手近てぢかna-adjective, no-adjectiveNear at hand in a practical sense: something within easy reach or conveniently close by, hence the gloss 'handy'. Use it when nearness matters because the thing is readily available.
Choose 「近い」 for plain distance, 「近く」 for the vicinity of a place, 間近 for what is right up close or imminent, 手近 for what is within easy reach, and 密接 only for close relationships or connections.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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