Translation guide
The English word 'nearly' expresses that something is close to happening, close to a certain amount, or almost the case. In Japanese, this is most commonly expressed with adverbs like ほとんど (hotondo) or もう少しで (mō sukoshi de), but the choice depends on whether you're talking about quantity, degree, or an event that almost happened.
もう少しで忘れるところだった。
I nearly forgot.
ほとんど終わった。
It's nearly finished.
To say that something is close to a certain amount, number, or state, but not completely.
The most common and versatile word for 'nearly' or 'almost' when referring to quantity, degree, or completeness. It can be used with verbs, adjectives, and nouns.
宿題はほとんど終わった。
I've nearly finished my homework.
その仕事はほとんど完了している。
The work is nearly complete.
Similar to ほとんど, but slightly more formal or written. Often used with numbers or precise quantities.
参加者はほぼ100人だった。
There were nearly 100 participants.
Used when something almost happened (often with a sense of 'narrowly avoided' or 'was about to'). Typically followed by a verb in the past tense or a conditional form.
もう少しで電車に乗り遅れるところだった。
I nearly missed the train.
もう少しで忘れるところだった。
I nearly forgot.
Similar to もう少しで, but emphasizes a narrow escape from something negative. Often used in written or formal contexts.
危うく事故に遭うところだった。
I nearly had an accident.
To say that an event is about to happen or is very close in time.
The most natural way to say 'soon' or 'nearly time for something'. Used for events that are imminent.
Implies that it's about time for something to happen, often with a nuance of 'it's nearly time to...' Used when suggesting or anticipating an action.
To emphasize that something is far from a certain level or amount.
Used with a negative verb to mean 'not nearly' or 'by no means'. Stronger than just using ほとんど〜ない.
彼の実力は到底プロには及ばない。
His skills are not nearly at a professional level.
Casual way to say 'not at all' or 'not nearly'. Often used in spoken Japanese.
この部屋は全然広くない。
This room is not nearly spacious enough.
Both mean 'almost' or 'nearly', but ほとんど is more common in everyday speech and can be used with verbs, adjectives, and nouns. ほぼ is slightly more formal and is often preferred with numbers or precise quantities. In many cases they are interchangeable.
ほとんど全員が賛成した。
Almost everyone agreed.
ほぼ全員が賛成した。
Nearly everyone agreed.
The word 近く (chikaku) means 'near' in a spatial sense, not 'nearly' in the sense of 'almost'. Do not use it to translate 'nearly' unless you are talking about physical proximity.
そろそろ出かけましょう。
It's nearly time to go. (Let's get going.)