Translation guide
The English word 'neighbour' refers to a person living nearby, a person or thing situated next to another, or a fellow human being. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 隣の人 (tonari no hito) for a next-door neighbour, but the concept is often expressed through location words like 隣 (tonari) or 近所 (kinjo) depending on context. Direct translation is not always natural; Japanese often uses relational nouns instead of a standalone word for 'neighbour'.
My next-door neighbour is very kind.
I left a key with my neighbour.
A more formal or literary term for 'neighbour'. Often used in writing or formal speech, but less common in everyday conversation.
Relationships with neighbours are important.
A friendly, colloquial way to refer to a neighbour, often used in casual conversation. It carries a warm, familiar tone.
I got some food from my neighbour.
Referring to someone who lives in the general vicinity, not necessarily next door.
Literally 'person of the neighbourhood'. This is the most common way to refer to a neighbour in a broader sense, someone who lives nearby.
We had a barbecue with the neighbours.
A neighbour is walking their dog.
Means 'neighbourhood' but can be used metonymically to refer to neighbours collectively. Often used in phrases like 近所付き合い (neighbourly relations).
Polite form of 近所, often used when speaking about neighbours in a respectful way.
Referring to an adjacent person or object in a sequence or arrangement, such as in a row or at a table.
Means 'next to' or 'adjacent'. Can refer to a person or thing. In context, it implies 'the neighbour' without needing 'person'.
The person in the next seat is noisy.
Please sit next to me.
Used for 'neighbouring country'. The pattern 隣のX is very productive for 'neighbouring X'.
Referring to any other person, especially in the sense of 'love thy neighbour' or moral obligation.
While 隣人 (rinjin) is a correct translation for 'neighbour', it sounds formal and is rarely used in everyday conversation. For casual contexts, use 隣の人 (tonari no hito) or 近所の人 (kinjo no hito) instead.
Japanese often omits the word for 'person' and uses location words like 隣 (tonari) or 近所 (kinjo) when the context is clear. For example, 'I borrowed this from my neighbour' can be simply これ、隣から借りた (kore, tonari kara karita).
My neighbour is a musician.
For a next-door neighbour.
We invited the neighbours over for dinner.
For neighbours in the area.
近所付き合いは大事だ。
Neighbourly relations are important.
Don't cause trouble for the neighbours.
Japan has built good relations with its neighbours.
The spirit of neighbourly love is important.