Translation guide
How to express the idea of creating emotional, social, or physical distance from someone or something in Japanese.
To create emotional or social distance from a person, group, or situation, often to avoid association or conflict.
I've been distancing myself from him lately.
You should distance yourself from that group.
Literally 'draw a line', this means to set a clear boundary, often in relationships or when distinguishing oneself from something.
I draw a line between work and private life.
Literally 'pull oneself back', this means to withdraw or step back from a situation, often to avoid trouble or to let others take over.
He distanced himself from the conflict.
To physically move away from someone or something, or to keep a physical distance.
Literally 'take distance', this is used for physically moving away or maintaining space, such as in social distancing or avoiding close contact.
I try to keep my distance in crowds.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to separate' or 'to move away'. Can be used for physical distancing, but also for emotional distance in some contexts.
To publicly or privately disassociate oneself from a statement, action, or group, often to avoid blame or association.
距離を置く (kyori o oku) is primarily for emotional/social distance, while 距離を取る (kyori o toru) is for physical distance. However, 距離を置く can sometimes be used for physical distance in formal contexts.
I'm distancing myself from her (emotionally).
Drive while keeping a distance between cars.
Avoid directly translating 'distance oneself from' word-for-word. Phrases like 自分を遠ざける (jibun o toozakeru) are not natural in Japanese for this meaning. Use the idiomatic expressions provided instead.
危険なのでその場所から離れた。
I distanced myself from that place because it was dangerous.
彼はその計画から手を引いた。
He distanced himself from the plan.