Translation guide
The English word "intimate" covers several distinct meanings: close personal relationships, private or cozy settings, deep knowledge, and sexual relations. Japanese expresses these with different words and phrases depending on the nuance.
Describing a very close, familiar, or deeply personal relationship between people.
The most common and natural way to say a person is close or intimate. Used for friends, colleagues, etc.
He is an intimate friend.
Even in intimate relationships, manners are necessary.
A slightly more formal or literary term for intimate, often used for relationships, bonds, or connections.
The two are in an intimate relationship.
A very common, casual phrase meaning 'on good terms' or 'close'. Often used in spoken Japanese.
Those two are very intimate.
A formal, somewhat old-fashioned term for a close or intimate acquaintance, often used in business or social contexts.
It's a business partner we are intimate with.
Describing a setting, place, or atmosphere that is small, private, and conducive to personal conversation.
A loanword from English 'at home', used to describe a cozy, intimate, and welcoming atmosphere, often for restaurants or gatherings.
This restaurant has an intimate atmosphere.
Means calm, settled, or quiet. Often used for intimate settings that are relaxed and not bustling.
Let's talk at a bar with an intimate atmosphere.
Describes a place that is small, neat, and cozy, often with a positive intimate feel.
We had tea at an intimate little café.
A loanword meaning private, often used for spaces that are secluded or exclusive, implying intimacy.
I want to talk in an intimate space.
Having a very detailed, thorough, or personal understanding of a subject.
The standard word for having detailed knowledge. Often used with the particle に.
He has an intimate knowledge of this field.
A more formal phrase meaning to be well-versed or intimately familiar with something.
She has an intimate knowledge of Japanese history.
Means to know something thoroughly, often through experience. Slightly formal.
He is intimately familiar with the issue.
Referring to a sexual relationship or physical intimacy.
The most direct and common term for a sexual relationship. Neutral in tone.
They are in an intimate relationship.
A euphemistic phrase meaning 'deep relationship', often implying a sexual one. Used in casual or literary contexts.
Rumor has it they are intimate.
A literary or formal term for sexual intercourse. Rare in everyday speech.
English uses 'intimate' as a verb meaning to hint or imply. Japanese does not have a direct equivalent verb. Use phrases like ほのめかす (to hint) or 示唆する (to suggest).
He intimated that he would resign.
親しい is the everyday word for a close friend or relationship. 親密な is more formal and often used in written descriptions or to emphasize depth of connection. For most casual contexts, 親しい or 仲がいい is preferred.
A more clinical or formal term for sexual relations.
You should talk before becoming intimate.
To become intimate.