Translation guide
Expressing closeness, familiarity, or physical intimacy in Japanese. The best choice depends on whether you mean emotional closeness, physical intimacy, or a close relationship.
Describing a relationship where people are emotionally close, know each other well, and interact casually.
An i-adjective meaning 'close' or 'intimate' in a friendly, familiar sense. Used for friends, colleagues, or family members.
彼とはとても親しいです。
I'm very close with him.
親しい友人に相談した。
I consulted a close friend.
A common phrase meaning 'to be on good terms' or 'to get along well.' Implies a warm, friendly relationship.
あの二人はとても仲がいい。
Those two are very close.
A na-adjective meaning 'intimate' or 'close.' Slightly more formal and can imply a deeper emotional bond.
親密な関係を築く。
Build an intimate relationship.
Referring to physical or sexual intimacy between partners.
Literally 'to have a physical relationship.' A direct but neutral way to say 'be intimate' in a sexual sense.
彼らは肉体関係を持っている。
They are intimate (have a physical relationship).
More explicitly 'to have sexual relations.' Used in formal or clinical contexts.
性的関係を持ったことはありません。
We have never been intimate.
A euphemistic way to say 'have a physical relationship,' similar to 'be intimate' in casual speech.
付き合ってすぐに体の関係を持った。
We became intimate soon after we started dating.
Describing a group, place, or atmosphere that feels intimate and cozy.
Wasei-eigo meaning 'homely' or 'cozy.' Often used for restaurants, parties, or workplaces with a warm, intimate feel.
この店はアットホームな雰囲気だ。
This restaurant has an intimate atmosphere.
Literally 'intimate atmosphere.' Can be used for settings that feel personal and close.
親密な雰囲気の中で話し合った。
We talked in an intimate atmosphere.
Being intimately familiar with a subject or thing.
Means 'to be well-versed in' or 'to have an intimate knowledge of.' Used for expertise.
彼は日本史に精通している。
He is intimately familiar with Japanese history.
A common i-adjective meaning 'knowledgeable' or 'well-informed.' Less formal than 精通している.
彼女はコンピューターに詳しい。
She is intimately familiar with computers.
The English phrase 'be intimate' often implies a sexual relationship. In Japanese, directly translating it as 親密である can sound vague or unnatural. Use context-appropriate phrases like 肉体関係を持つ for physical intimacy or 親しい for emotional closeness.