Translation guide
The English phrase "relate to" has several distinct meanings. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression depending on whether they mean "connect with a story/feeling," "be connected to a topic," "have a good relationship with someone," or "tell a story."
Expressing that you can personally understand or empathize with a situation, story, or feeling because you have had a similar experience.
I couldn't relate to the main character of that movie.
A very casual and common way to say "I get it" or "I can relate." Often used in conversation to show understanding and agreement with someone's feelings.
A: 仕事が大変でさ。 B: わかるよ。
A: Work is tough. B: I can relate.
Literally "to have a memory in one's body." Used when you have personally experienced something similar, often a negative experience. It implies "I know that feeling because I've done it/been there."
寝坊して遅刻した話？身に覚えがあるよ。
A story about oversleeping and being late? I can relate.
Saying that something is about or concerns a particular subject.
Means "to be related to" or "to have a connection with." Used for topics, issues, or things. The particle に marks the topic.
この問題は環境に関係している。
This problem relates to the environment.
それは今の議論に関係ない。
That doesn't relate to the current discussion.
A more formal, written-style phrase meaning "concerning" or "regarding." Often used to modify nouns.
環境に関する本を読んでいる。
I'm reading a book relating to the environment.
Used for stories, legends, or anecdotes that are associated with a place or person. Has a literary or narrative feel.
この神社にまつわる伝説がある。
There is a legend relating to this shrine.
Describing how well you get along with another person.
Means "to get along well with someone." A natural, common phrase for describing interpersonal relationships.
彼とはうまくやっている。
I relate well to him. / I get along well with him.
新しい上司とうまくやれるか心配だ。
I'm worried about whether I can relate to my new boss.
Means "to be compatible" or "to hit it off." Focuses on shared interests or personalities clicking.
彼女とは気が合う。
I relate to her well. / We get along great.
A deeper, more emotional phrase meaning "to have a mutual understanding" or "to connect heart-to-heart."
言葉がわからなくても、心が通うこともある。
Even if you don't understand the language, you can sometimes relate to each other.
Giving an account of events; telling a story.
Means "to tell" or "to narrate," often used for stories, experiences, or personal accounts.
彼は自分の経験を語った。
He related his experience.
A more formal verb meaning "to state" or "to relate" facts or opinions.
The English phrase "relate to" covers several distinct concepts. Avoid directly translating it as a single Japanese word. Instead, choose the appropriate expression based on the intended meaning: empathy, relevance, interpersonal relationships, or narration.
× 彼の話に関係した。
Incorrect for "I related to his story." (This would mean "I was connected to his story" in a factual sense.)
He related the details in the report.