Translation guide
The English word "near" covers physical proximity, temporal closeness, approximate amounts, and near-future events. Japanese uses different words and grammar depending on the meaning. This guide breaks down the most common uses for learners.
Describing that something is close in space or distance.
The most common adjective for physical closeness. Used for objects, places, and people.
The station is near here.
His house is near the school.
A noun phrase meaning "near (something)". Used with a location noun.
I live near the station.
Let's meet near the park.
Means "near" or "by the side of". Slightly more intimate or immediate than 近く.
Please stay near me.
The convenience store is near the station.
A formal noun meaning "vicinity" or "neighborhood". Often used in written or official contexts.
Is there a post office near here?
Describing that an event or time is soon or approaching.
Also used for time. Indicates that a future event is not far off.
Summer vacation is near.
The exam is near, so I have to study.
An adverb meaning "soon" or "before long". Very common in spoken Japanese.
Means "imminent" or "just around the corner". Often used for events.
Indicating that a number, amount, or state is close to a certain value.
Attached to a number or amount to mean "nearly" or "close to".
Nearly 100 people gathered.
It took nearly three hours to finish.
An adverb meaning "almost" or "nearly". Used with quantities or states.
A prefix meaning "approximately" or "about". Common in formal and written contexts.
Expressing that something is about to happen.
Describing a close personal relationship or similarity.
English 'near' can be a preposition, adjective, or adverb. Japanese uses different structures. For example, 'near the station' is 駅の近く (eki no chikaku), not a single word. Avoid literal translations like 近い駅 (chikai eki) for 'near station'—it sounds unnatural.
Both mean 'near', but そば implies closer proximity, often within arm's reach or right beside. 近く is more general. そば can also feel more personal.
When using 近い for future events, it often implies a sense of urgency or anticipation. It's natural to say 試験が近い (the exam is near) but not 過去が近い (the past is near).
Is there a bank near here?
The deadline is near.
It's near the end of the year.
もうすぐ春ですね。
Spring is near, isn't it?
We'll arrive soon. (We're near arriving.)
The exam is drawing near.
The work is nearly finished.
Nearly everyone agreed.
It's a distance of about 50 kilometers.
I almost cried.
They have a close relationship.
His opinion is close to my thinking.
This color is near red.