Translation guide
Expressing a short distance in Japanese involves choosing the right word or phrase based on context, such as physical proximity, time, or degree. Common options include 近い (chikai) for general closeness, 少し (sukoshi) for a small amount, and わずか (wazuka) for a tiny or negligible distance.
It's a short distance.
Most natural for physical proximity.
a short distance
Use in compound nouns or technical contexts.
Describing that something is physically near or a short distance away.
The most common adjective meaning 'near' or 'close'. Used for physical distance.
The station is a short distance from here.
Walk a short distance.
Emphasizes that something is very close, just a short distance away.
The convenience store is just a short distance away.
Formal term for 'very close', often used in compounds like 至近距離 (short range).
Indicating a short distance in terms of time, effort, or abstract measures.
Adverb meaning 'a little' or 'a short distance/time'. Very common and versatile.
You'll arrive after walking a short distance.
Emphasizes a very small amount or distance, often with a nuance of 'only' or 'mere'.
Casual adverb for 'a little', often used in spoken Japanese for short distances or time.
Expressions for short distances in sports, travel, or technical contexts.
近い (chikai) means 'near' in terms of physical proximity, while 短い (mijikai) means 'short' in length or duration. For 'short distance', use 近い or 短距離, not 短い.
The distance is short.
The distance is short. (less common, but possible in some contexts)
Idiomatic expression meaning 'right under one's nose', extremely close.
His house is just a short distance away.
至近距離からの射撃。
Shooting from a short distance.
It's a short distance.
Move a short distance.
ちょっとそこまで行ってくる。
I'm going just a short distance (to that place).
Short-distance bus
Bicycles are convenient for short-distance travel.