Translation guide
This guide covers how to express that things are physically linked, logically related, or socially associated in Japanese. It focuses on common verbs and patterns for different types of connections.
Describing objects, devices, or parts that are physically joined, linked, or attached to each other.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to be connected' or 'to be linked'. Used for physical connections like roads, cables, or body parts.
このケーブルはパソコンに繋がっています。
This cable is connected to the computer.
二つの部屋はドアで繋がっている。
The two rooms are connected by a door.
Passive form of 接続する, meaning 'to be connected'. Often used for technical or network connections.
プリンターがネットワークに接続されています。
The printer is connected to the network.
Passive of 連結する, meaning 'to be coupled' or 'to be linked'. Used for trains, mechanical parts, or chains.
車両が連結されている。
The train cars are connected.
Expressing that ideas, events, or facts are related or linked in a logical or causal way.
Means 'to be related' or 'to be connected'. Used for abstract relationships between concepts, events, or people.
この二つの事件は関係している。
These two incidents are connected.
健康は食生活と深く関係している。
Health is deeply connected to diet.
Can also be used for abstract connections, implying a direct link or chain of causation.
努力が成功に繋がっている。
Effort is connected to success.
Means 'to be associated' or 'to be linked'. Slightly more formal than 関係している.
この問題は前の議論と関連している。
This issue is connected to the previous discussion.
Describing personal relationships, emotional bonds, or social ties.
Used for emotional bonds or social connections, often implying a deep or lasting tie.
私たちは強い絆で繋がっている。
We are connected by a strong bond.
SNSで友達と繋がっている。
I'm connected with friends on social media.
Literally 'to be tied/bound', often used for fateful or romantic connections.
二人は運命で結ばれている。
The two are connected by fate.
Colloquial phrase meaning 'to have connections' (often implying useful social or business contacts).
This is a loanword from 'connection' and can sound slightly negative if overused.
彼は政界にコネがある。
He has connections in the political world.
Describing being connected on a call or online meeting.
Intransitive verb phrase meaning 'the call gets connected' or 'to be connected by phone'.
やっと電話が繋がった。
The call finally got connected.
Means 'to be connected online', often used for video calls or internet connections.
Zoomで繋がっていますか？
Are you connected on Zoom?
繋がる (tsunagaru) is a general intransitive verb for being connected, used for physical, abstract, and social links. 接続される (setsuzoku sareru) is more technical and often used for devices, networks, or formal connections. In casual conversation, 繋がる is more natural for most situations.
English often uses 'be connected' as a passive, but Japanese prefers intransitive verbs like 繋がる or 関係している. Using passive forms like 繋がられている is unnatural.
インターネットに繋がっていますか？
Are you connected to the internet?
この二つの問題は関係している。
These two problems are connected.