Translation guide
The concept of distance in Japanese can be expressed through nouns, adjectives, and verbs, depending on whether you're talking about physical space, emotional separation, or the act of distancing oneself. The most common word is 距離 (kyori), but other terms like 遠さ (tōsa) and 隔たり (hedatari) are used for specific nuances.
Expressing the amount of space between two points or objects.
The most common and general word for 'distance' in a physical sense. Used for measurable space between locations, objects, or people.
東京から大阪までの距離は約500キロです。
The distance from Tokyo to Osaka is about 500 kilometers.
彼は短い距離を走るのが得意だ。
He is good at running short distances.
The noun form of 'far', emphasizing the quality of being distant. Less common than 距離, but used when focusing on the degree of remoteness.
その山の遠さに驚いた。
I was surprised by the distance of that mountain.
Refers to the distance of a journey or route, often implying the path traveled rather than a straight line.
駅までの道のりは長い。
The distance to the station is long.
Describing a sense of separation in relationships, feelings, or social standing.
Also used metaphorically for emotional or psychological distance between people.
彼とは心の距離を感じる。
I feel an emotional distance from him.
Emphasizes a gap or estrangement, often in relationships, opinions, or social status. Stronger than 距離 for emotional separation.
Describes a state of being estranged or out of touch, often due to lack of communication. Used as a noun or na-adjective.
The act of maintaining physical or emotional space, often deliberately.
A common phrase meaning 'to keep one's distance' or 'to put some space between', used both physically and emotionally.
彼は私に距離を置いている。
He is keeping his distance from me.
しばらく距離を置こう。
Let's take some distance for a while.
Similar to 距離を置く, but often implies a more active or physical distancing, like stepping back.
危険を感じて距離を取った。
Sensing danger, I kept my distance.
Describing something that covers a great distance, like a long-distance call or relationship.
Prefix meaning 'long-distance'. Used in compounds like 長距離電話 (long-distance call) or 長距離恋愛 (long-distance relationship).
長距離恋愛は大変だ。
A long-distance relationship is tough.
長距離バスで旅行した。
I traveled by long-distance bus.
Also means 'long-distance', but slightly more formal or technical. Often used in 遠距離恋愛 (long-distance love).
The quality of being far away in space or time, often used in abstract or literary contexts.
As above, but can also be used for temporal or abstract distance.
過去の遠さを思う。
I think about the distance of the past.
An adverb or na-adjective meaning 'far off' or 'distant', often used poetically for great distances in space or time.
遥か彼方に山が見える。
Mountains are visible in the far distance.
距離 (kyori) is the general term for distance, both physical and metaphorical. 隔たり (hedatari) specifically implies a gap or estrangement, often with a negative connotation of separation that is hard to bridge. Use 隔たり when emphasizing emotional or social division.
English uses 'distance' in many idiomatic ways (e.g., 'in the distance', 'keep your distance'). Japanese often uses specific verbs or phrases instead of a direct noun translation. For example, 'in the distance' is often 遠くに (tōku ni), not 距離で.
前の車と安全な車間距離を保ってください。
Keep a safe distance from the car ahead.
車間距離 (shakan kyori) is a specific term for distance between vehicles.
二人の間には大きな隔たりがある。
There is a great distance between the two of them.
I've become distant from him.
It's difficult to maintain a long-distance relationship.