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.
This cable is connected to the computer.
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.
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.
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.
These two incidents are connected.
Health is deeply connected to diet.
Can also be used for abstract connections, implying a direct link or chain of causation.
Effort is connected to success.
Means 'to be associated' or 'to be linked'. Slightly more formal than 関係している.
Describing personal relationships, emotional bonds, or social ties.
Used for emotional bonds or social connections, often implying a deep or lasting tie.
We are connected by a strong bond.
I'm connected with friends on social media.
Literally 'to be tied/bound', often used for fateful or romantic connections.
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.
He has connections in the political world.
Describing being connected on a call or online meeting.
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.
Are you connected to the internet?
These two problems are connected.
This issue is connected to the previous discussion.