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.
彼とは相性がいい。
I have a good affinity with him.
あの二人は相性が悪いみたいだ。
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.
彼女とは気が合う。
I have an affinity with her.
A feeling of closeness or familiarity, often when meeting someone for the first time but sensing a connection.
初めて会ったのに、親近感を覚えた。
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.
あの人とは馬が合う。
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.
この二つの理論には類似性がある。
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.
The standard scientific term for chemical affinity or binding affinity. Used in chemistry, biology, and pharmacology.
この酵素は基質との親和性が高い。
This enzyme has a high affinity for its substrate.
A more specific term for binding affinity, often used in biochemistry.
抗体の結合親和力を測定する。
Measure the binding affinity of the antibody.
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.
故郷に強い愛着がある。
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.
彼女は音楽に対して天性の才能がある。
She has a natural affinity for music.
Here 'affinity' means natural talent, so 才能 (sainou) is more appropriate.
その二つの文化には類似点がある。
There's an affinity between the two cultures.
Uses 類似点 (ruijiten) to express similarity.
趣味の共通点が多い。
We have many affinities in our hobbies.
These two compounds have an affinity in structure.
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.