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.
He came near.
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.
A dog came near.
Literally 'come to one's side'. Natural for 'come near me/us'.
To approach with a sense of urgency or pressure, often used for deadlines, danger, or aggressive movement.
The enemy came near.
To say that a point in time is getting closer.
To express becoming closer in a non-physical sense, such as emotionally or in quality.
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.
Summer vacation is coming near.
試験が迫っている。
The exam is coming near.
We came near to each other (became close).