Translation guide
How to talk about neighbours in Japanese, from the people next door to neighbouring countries.
Referring to the people who live in the house or apartment next door or in the same neighbourhood.
The most common and natural way to say 'neighbour' as a person. Literally 'the person next door', but used broadly for neighbours.
隣の人はとても親切です。
My neighbour is very kind.
I greeted the new neighbour.
Refers to people in the neighbourhood more generally, not necessarily immediately next door.
近所の人たちと仲良くしている。
I get along well with the neighbours.
A more formal or literary term for neighbour. Used in writing or formal speech, but less common in daily conversation.
隣人との関係は大切だ。
Relationships with neighbours are important.
Referring to the neighbouring house, apartment, or property itself.
Means 'next door' or 'neighbouring house'. Can refer to the place or the people, depending on context.
隣は空き家です。
The house next door is vacant.
隣に引っ越してきた。
Someone moved in next door.
Polite version of 隣, often used when referring to a neighbour's house or family with respect.
お隣からおすそ分けをいただいた。
We received some food from the neighbours.
Talking about countries or areas that share a border or are nearby.
Standard term for a neighbouring country. Used in news and formal contexts.
日本と隣国との関係は複雑だ。
Relations between Japan and its neighbours are complex.
A more casual way to say 'neighbouring country', using the everyday word 隣.
隣の国に旅行に行った。
I travelled to a neighbouring country.
Referring to the person or thing immediately next to you in a row, such as in a classroom or meeting.
Also used for the person sitting next to you. Context makes the meaning clear.
隣の人とペアになってください。
Please pair up with the person next to you.
Specifically refers to the neighbouring seat.
隣の席は空いていますか？
Is the seat next to you free?
隣の人 implies the immediate next-door neighbour, while 近所の人 refers to people in the wider neighbourhood. Use 隣の人 when you mean the person right next to you.
隣の人に鍵を預けた。
I left a key with my next-door neighbour.
近所の人に道を聞かれた。
A neighbour (from the area) asked me for directions.
隣人 sounds stiff and literary. In everyday speech, 隣の人 or simply 隣 is much more natural. Using 隣人 in casual conversation can sound odd or overly formal.
もう10年隣同士です。
We've been neighbours for ten years.
隣同士 (となりどうし) means 'being neighbours with each other'.
Refers to neighbouring countries collectively, often in political or economic contexts.
近隣諸国との貿易が増えている。
Trade with neighbouring countries is increasing.