Translation guide
The area near where you live, or a community of people living close together. Japanese has several words for this, depending on whether you mean the physical area, the community, or a specific district.
Referring to the streets, buildings, and immediate surroundings where you live.
The most common and natural word for 'neighbourhood' as the area around your house. Used in everyday conversation.
この近所は静かです。
This neighbourhood is quiet.
近所に新しいカフェができた。
A new café opened in the neighbourhood.
Similar to 近所 but slightly more formal and can refer to a slightly wider area. Often used in written descriptions or real estate.
この近辺には公園がたくさんあります。
There are many parks in this neighbourhood.
Means 'surroundings' or 'vicinity'. Can be used for neighbourhood but is broader and more formal. Common in news or official contexts.
駅の周辺はにぎやかです。
The area around the station is lively.
Referring to the social aspect: neighbours and local community relationships.
Also used for the people living nearby. Often appears in phrases like 近所付き合い (neighbourly relations).
近所の人たちと仲良くしています。
I get along well with the people in my neighbourhood.
近所付き合いは大切です。
Neighbourly relations are important.
Polite form of 近所, often used when speaking about someone else's neighbourhood or in formal situations.
ご近所の方々によろしくお伝えください。
Please give my regards to your neighbours.
Refers to a neighbourhood association or the community within a town/district. Often used for local events or organisations.
Referring to a named neighbourhood, often with a distinct character or administrative boundary.
A district or zone, often used in addresses or official contexts. Can refer to a neighbourhood within a city.
この地区は住宅地です。
This neighbourhood is a residential area.
A broader term for 'area' or 'region'. Can mean neighbourhood but is less specific; often used for community or local area.
A somewhat trendy word for a neighbourhood or area, often used in media or by younger people to refer to a hip district. Can sound casual or slangy.
近所 implies a small, walkable area around your home. For a larger district or named neighbourhood, use 地区 or 地域.
In Japan, local community groups called 町内会 (chōnaikai) or 自治会 (jichikai) are common. If you're talking about neighbourhood activities, these terms are useful.
ちょっと近所を散歩してくる。
I'm just going to walk around the neighbourhood.
この地区は良い学校があることで知られている。
This neighbourhood is known for its good schools.
町内会の集まりがあります。
There's a neighbourhood association meeting.
Protect the safety of the neighbourhood.
あの界隈はおしゃれな店が多い。
That neighbourhood has a lot of stylish shops.