Translation guide
This entry covers ways to express the idea of becoming emotionally or physically close to someone, from forming a close friendship to entering a romantic or sexual relationship. Japanese often uses specific verbs and phrases depending on the nature and depth of the intimacy.
To develop a close, trusting friendship with someone.
The most common and natural way to say 'become close friends' or 'get along well'. Used for friendships, classmates, colleagues, etc.
I quickly became close friends with him.
I want to become friends with my new classmates.
Means 'become familiar/close with someone'. Slightly more formal than 仲良くなる, often used in written contexts or when describing a gradual process.
I became close with him through work.
A formal, somewhat literary expression meaning 'become intimate/close'. Often used in business or formal relationships.
We have become close through years of business dealings.
To enter a romantic relationship or become physically intimate with someone.
Means 'become intimate' in a romantic or emotional sense. Can imply a deepening of a relationship, sometimes including physical intimacy depending on context.
The two of them quickly became intimate.
A euphemistic phrase meaning 'become deeply involved', often implying a romantic or sexual relationship. Used when the relationship has progressed beyond friendship.
I became intimately involved with her.
Directly means 'have a physical/sexual relationship'. Blunt and explicit; used in serious discussions or when clarity is needed.
To become well-acquainted or comfortable with a non-person entity, such as a place, subject, or tool.
Means 'get used to' or 'become familiar with'. Used for places, tasks, environments, etc. Not for people.
I've become familiar with the new workplace.
Means 'become well-versed in' or 'master'. Used for subjects, fields of knowledge, or skills. Formal.
He is intimately familiar with Japanese literature.
The English phrase 'become intimate' can sound overly formal or sexual if translated literally into Japanese. Choose the expression that matches the specific type of intimacy (friendship, romance, familiarity) and the context.
Both mean 'become close', but 仲良くなる emphasizes a friendly, harmonious relationship, while 親しくなる focuses on familiarity and reduced distance. 仲良くなる is more common in casual speech.
The children quickly became good friends.
It took time to become close with the neighbors.
They had a physical relationship.