Translation guide
To approach or move closer to a person, place, or point in time. Japanese uses different verbs depending on whether the focus is physical movement, temporal approach, or figurative closeness.
To move closer to someone or something in physical space.
General verb for approaching or getting close to something. Intransitive; the subject moves closer.
彼が近づいてきた。
He came near.
駅に近づくと、人が多くなった。
As we came near the station, there were more people.
To approach or come close to someone/something, often with a nuance of drawing near intentionally. Intransitive.
犬が近寄ってきた。
A dog came near.
To approach with a sense of urgency or pressure, often used for deadlines, danger, or aggressive movement.
敵が迫ってきた。
The enemy came near.
To say that a point in time is getting closer.
Same verb as physical approach, but used for time. Intransitive.
締め切りが近づいている。
The deadline is coming near.
夏休みが近づいてきた。
Summer vacation is coming near.
Emphasizes urgency or pressure as a deadline approaches.
To express becoming closer in a non-physical sense, such as emotionally or in quality.
To become close (as friends or emotionally).
彼と親しくなりたい。
I want to come near to him (become close).
To enter a close relationship.
彼女とは近い関係になった。
We came near to each other (became close).
Simply saying '来る' (come) does not convey the sense of 'near'. You need a word like '近づく' or a phrase like 'そばに来る' to express proximity.
Both mean 'approach', but 近寄る often implies intentional movement toward a specific target, while 近づく is more general. 近寄る is also more common with animate objects.
The exam is coming near.