Translation guide
This guide covers how to express the idea of a 'close relation' in Japanese, whether referring to family ties or strong interpersonal bonds. It focuses on natural phrasing for English-speaking learners.
Expressing a close blood or legal family connection.
Describing a close bond with a friend, colleague, or other non-family member.
The most natural way to say 'close relationship' in a general sense. '親しい' means intimate or close.
彼とは親しい関係です。
I have a close relationship with him.
The English word 'close' can be translated as '近い' (chikai) for physical distance, but for relationships, '親しい' (shitashii) or '親密な' (shinmitsu na) is more natural. Using '近い関係' (chikai kankei) is possible but less common and may sound like 'nearby relation'.
親しい親族だけが式に招待された。
Only close relatives were invited to the ceremony.
A formal or legal term for 'close relative'. Often used in official contexts.
近親者のみで葬儀を行った。
The funeral was held with only close relatives.
Implies a deeper, more intimate bond. Can be used for friendships or romantic connections.
二人は親密な関係にある。
The two are in a close relationship.
A very common, casual way to say people are close or get along well. Often used with friends.
私たちはとても仲がいいです。
We are very close.
Often used for close ties in business, academic, or abstract contexts. Less personal.
両国は密接な関係にある。
The two countries have a close relationship.