Translation guide
The English verb 'reach' has several core meanings: to arrive at a place, to stretch out one's hand, to contact someone, to achieve a goal, and to extend to a certain point. This guide organizes these meanings and provides natural Japanese equivalents.
To get to a destination after traveling.
The most common verb for arriving at a place. Focuses on the point of arrival.
Please call me when you reach the station.
A more formal term for arrival, often used in announcements or written contexts.
The plane will reach soon.
Implies reaching a place after difficulty or a long journey.
To extend one's arm to touch or grab something.
To get in touch with someone, especially by phone or message.
General verb for contacting someone. Works for phone, email, etc.
To attain a target, such as a goal, agreement, or stage.
Used for reaching goals, targets, or objectives.
To stretch or continue in space or time up to a point.
Used for influence, damage, or extent reaching a certain point.
着く is the everyday verb for arriving. 到着する is more formal and often used in announcements or writing. In casual speech, 着く is preferred.
Have you arrived yet?
We finally reached the summit.
Literally 'stretch out one's hand'. The most natural way to express physically reaching for something.
He reached for the bookshelf.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to reach' or 'to be able to reach'. Often used when something is within or beyond reach.
That shelf is too high; I can't reach it.
Literally 'hand reaches'. Emphasizes the hand's ability to reach something.
Can you reach the ceiling?
I tried to reach him, but I couldn't get through.
Means 'to be able to contact' or 'to get hold of' someone.
I couldn't reach him.
Specifically for reaching someone by phone (the person answers).
No matter how many times I call, he doesn't answer (I can't reach him).
I will do my best to reach the goal.
Often used for reaching a certain level, age, or stage. More formal.
The negotiations reached an agreement.
Can be used metaphorically for reaching a goal or standard, but less common than 達成する.
His ability hasn't reached the professional level yet.
The damage reached a wide area.
For physical extension like sound, light, or a road reaching somewhere.
This road reaches as far as the station.
Means 'to extend over' a period or area. Often used for time spans.
The meeting reached (lasted) a long time.
We will be arriving shortly.
The loanword リーチ is mainly used in games (e.g., mahjong) or marketing contexts. For physical reaching, use 手を伸ばす or 届く.