Translation guide
The English word 'neighbor' refers to a person living nearby, or more broadly to someone or something adjacent. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 隣の人 (tonari no hito) for a next-door neighbor, but the concept extends to 近所の人 (kinjo no hito) for someone in the neighborhood, and 隣人 (rinjin) as a more formal term. The choice depends on proximity, formality, and whether you're referring to a specific person or the general idea of a neighbor.
隣の人がうるさいです。
My neighbor is noisy.
近所の人たちと仲がいいです。
I get along with my neighbors.
Referring to the person who lives in the immediately adjacent house or apartment.
The most common and natural way to say 'neighbor' when referring to the person next door. 隣 (tonari) means 'next door' or 'adjacent', and 人 (hito) means 'person'.
隣の人がうるさいです。
My next-door neighbor is noisy.
I met my neighbor yesterday.
A more formal or literary term for 'neighbor'. Often used in written contexts or when speaking abstractly about neighbors. Less common in casual conversation.
隣人との関係は大切です。
Relationships with neighbors are important.
A friendly, somewhat colloquial term for a next-door neighbor. The prefix お (o-) adds politeness or warmth, and さん (-san) is an honorific. Often used by housewives or in neighborhood contexts.
お隣さんからおすそ分けをもらいました。
I received some food from my neighbor.
Referring to someone who lives nearby but not necessarily next door.
The standard way to say 'neighbor' in the sense of someone from the neighborhood. 近所 (kinjo) means 'neighborhood' or 'vicinity'.
近所の人たちとバーベキューをしました。
We had a barbecue with the neighbors.
彼は近所の人に親切です。
He is kind to his neighbors.
A formal term meaning 'neighboring residents'. Used in official notices, news, or formal writing. Not used in everyday conversation.
工事の騒音について近隣住民に説明しました。
We explained the construction noise to the neighboring residents.
Referring to a neighbor in the moral or religious sense, such as 'love thy neighbor'.
Referring to a neighboring country or area.
Means 'neighboring country'. Used in geopolitical contexts.
日本と韓国は隣国です。
Japan and Korea are neighboring countries.
A more formal term for 'neighboring country', emphasizing adjacency. Often used in official documents.
隣接国との国境問題。
Border issues with neighboring countries.
Referring to something that is next to another thing, like a neighboring seat or building.
Means 'next to' or 'adjacent'. Can be used for objects, seats, buildings, etc. Often used with の (no) to modify a noun.
隣の席に座ってもいいですか？
May I sit in the seat next to you?
隣のビルは銀行です。
The neighboring building is a bank.
A more formal term meaning 'adjacent' or 'adjoining'. Often used in technical or official descriptions.
隣の人 (tonari no hito) specifically means the person next door, while 近所の人 (kinjo no hito) refers to anyone in the neighborhood. Use 隣の人 when you know the person lives immediately adjacent; use 近所の人 for a broader sense of neighbors.
隣の人は毎日ピアノを弾きます。
The person next door plays the piano every day.
近所の人たちと公園で会います。
I meet neighbors at the park.
隣人 (rinjin) sounds formal or literary. In everyday speech, it's more natural to use 隣の人 or 近所の人. Using 隣人 in casual conversation may sound stiff or old-fashioned.
隣接する部屋から音が漏れる。
Sound leaks from the adjacent room.