Translation guide
The English word "affinity" covers a range of meanings from natural liking and similarity to chemical attraction. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each nuance.
Expressing a spontaneous feeling of closeness, compatibility, or rapport with someone.
Refers to compatibility or chemistry between people, often used for relationships, friendships, or working together. It implies a natural, almost instinctive fit.
I have a good affinity with him.
Those two don't seem to have much affinity.
Literally "our spirits meet," this is a very common way to say you get along well with someone, sharing similar feelings or interests.
I have an affinity with her.
A feeling of closeness or familiarity, often when meeting someone for the first time but sensing a connection.
Even though we just met, I felt an affinity.
An idiomatic expression meaning to get along well, literally "horses match." Somewhat old-fashioned but still understood.
I have an affinity with that person.
Describing a likeness or shared nature between things, ideas, or people.
A formal noun meaning similarity or resemblance. Used for abstract or concrete comparisons.
There is an affinity between these two theories.
Common points or shared characteristics. More casual than 類似性 and often used in everyday conversation.
Close resemblance or approximation, often used in technical or mathematical contexts.
Referring to the tendency of substances to combine or bind, such as in chemistry or biochemistry.
A deep, often unexplainable pull toward someone or something, like a natural sympathy.
Emotional attachment or fondness, often for people, places, or objects. Implies a warm, personal affinity.
I have a strong affinity for my hometown.
Empathy or sympathy; feeling that you understand and share someone's emotions. Can express an affinity of feeling.
Literally 'gravitational pull,' used metaphorically for a strong, almost magnetic attraction or affinity.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all uses of 'affinity.' Translating it directly as 親和性 (shinwasei) in non-scientific contexts will sound unnatural. Choose the expression that matches the specific nuance.
Both describe interpersonal compatibility, but 相性 is broader and can be used for objective pairings (e.g., work partners, astrological signs), while 気が合う is more about subjective feeling and shared vibes.
She has a natural affinity for music.
Here 'affinity' means natural talent, so 才能 (sainou) is more appropriate.
There's an affinity between the two cultures.
Uses 類似点 (ruijiten) to express similarity.
We have many affinities in our hobbies.
These two compounds have an affinity in structure.
Measure the binding affinity of the antibody.
彼の考え方に共感する。
I feel an affinity with his way of thinking.
彼女には抗えない引力を感じる。
I feel an irresistible affinity toward her.