Translation guide
Expresses physical or metaphorical nearness, approximation, or emotional closeness. Japanese uses different words and patterns depending on whether you mean physical proximity, approximate numbers, or a close relationship.
Describing something that is near a place, object, or person in space.
Noun meaning 'near' or 'vicinity'. Often used with の to modify another noun, or as 近くに for location.
I live close to the station.
We played at a nearby park.
Means 'near' or 'by the side of'. Implies very close proximity, often within reach or right next to something.
Please stay close to me.
There is a bag close to the desk.
Adjective meaning 'close' or 'near'. Used in predicates or to modify nouns directly.
Is it close to the station from here?
I plan to move in the near future.
Pattern meaning 'very close to ~'. すぐ emphasizes immediate proximity.
The convenience store is very close to my house.
Indicating that a number, time, or quantity is near a certain value.
Prefix meaning 'approximately' or 'about'. Used before numbers.
Close to 100 people participated.
It's about 10 minutes from here.
Adverb meaning 'almost' or 'nearly'. Suggests very close to the stated amount.
Can also be used for approximate numbers, especially with counters or time.
Pattern meaning 'close to ~' for numbers or states. Used after a noun or number.
It's in a state close to completion.
Describing a close relationship, bond, or feeling of intimacy.
Adjective meaning 'close' or 'intimate' for relationships. Used for friends or family.
He is a close friend.
Phrase meaning 'to be on good terms' or 'close'. Describes the relationship between people.
Those two are very close.
Na-adjective meaning 'close' or 'intimate', often used for abstract connections like ties or relations.
The two countries have a close relationship.
Expressing that something is on the verge of happening or nearly a certain state.
Pattern meaning 'close to (a state)'. Used after nouns describing conditions.
His attitude is close to rude.
Pattern meaning 'was close to doing ~' or 'almost did ~'. Used for near occurrences.
I was close to missing the train.
Adverb meaning 'narrowly' or 'almost', used when something bad nearly happened.
近く is a general word for 'nearby' and can refer to a wider area. そば implies being right next to something, often within arm's reach. Use そば for very close physical proximity.
I live near the station. (general area)
I sat close to him. (right next to him)
The adjective 近い is not used to describe close relationships between people. Use 親しい or 仲がいい instead.
He is a close friend. (unnatural)
The work is almost finished.
Close to everyone agreed.
Close to 100 people came.
Even in close relationships, manners are important.
I was close to having an accident.
He is a close friend. (natural)