Translation guide
The English phrase "be close" can refer to physical proximity, emotional intimacy, or nearness in time or state. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
To describe something or someone being physically close in distance.
The most common adjective for physical closeness. Can be used for objects, places, or people.
駅はここから近いです。
The station is close from here.
彼の家は学校に近い。
His house is close to the school.
Emphasizes immediate proximity, like 'right nearby'.
コンビニはすぐ近くにあります。
The convenience store is right nearby.
Formal or technical term for 'approaching' or 'being in close proximity'.
台風が接近しています。
A typhoon is approaching (is close).
To describe a close relationship between people.
Describes a close, friendly relationship. Often used for friends.
彼とは親しい友人です。
He is a close friend.
私たちはとても親しい。
We are very close.
Common phrase meaning 'on good terms' or 'close'. Used for any close relationship.
あの二人は仲がいいね。
Those two are close, aren't they?
兄弟なのにあまり仲が良くない。
Even though they're siblings, they aren't very close.
More formal adjective for 'intimate' or 'close', often used in writing.
親密な関係を築く。
Build a close relationship.
Polite expression for being on close terms, often used in business contexts.
長年懇意にしております。
We have been close for many years.
To indicate that an event or state is imminent or nearly achieved.
Adverb meaning 'soon' or 'almost'. Used for events that are close in time.
Pattern meaning 'close to (a state)'. Attach to nouns.
完成に近い。
It's close to completion.
彼の意見は私の考えに近い。
His opinion is close to my thinking.
Grammar pattern meaning 'about to do something', emphasizing imminence.
出かけるところだ。
I'm about to go out (close to leaving).
To say something is similar or nearly the same.
Same pattern as above, used for similarity.
その色は青に近い。
That color is close to blue.
Verb meaning 'to resemble'. Often used when things look alike.
この二つの絵はとても似ている。
These two pictures are very close (similar).
Saying 「私たちは近いです」 to mean 'we are close' (emotionally) sounds unnatural. Use 親しい or 仲がいい instead.
私たちは親しいです。
We are close.
近い is for physical distance; 親しい is for emotional closeness. Do not mix them up.