Translation guide
The practice of maintaining physical distance from others to reduce the spread of illness. In Japanese, this is most commonly expressed with the borrowed term ソーシャルディスタンス or the more formal 社会的距離, but natural communication often relies on situational phrases.
Referring to the public health measure of keeping space between people.
The most common and widely understood term, borrowed from English. Used in news, signage, and everyday conversation.
Please maintain social distancing.
Please cooperate with social distancing inside the store.
A more formal, literal translation often used in official documents or news reports.
Ensuring social distancing is being called for.
A natural, everyday way to say 'keep distance from people'. Not a direct translation but conveys the action.
I'm trying to keep my distance from people.
Politely requesting that someone maintain space.
A polite way to ask someone to keep their distance. Suitable for most situations.
Excuse me, could you please keep a little distance?
Literally 'please open up space/interval'. Common in announcements or signs.
Saying that you are practicing social distancing.
Means 'avoid crowds', a key part of social distancing. Very natural.
Lately I've been avoiding crowds.
Directly uses the loanword with the verb 取る (to take). Common in casual talk.
I'm properly social distancing.
While ソーシャルディスタンス is widely understood, in casual conversation Japanese speakers often describe the action rather than using the term, e.g., 距離を取る or 人混みを避ける.
The direct translation 社会的距離 is correct but can sound stiff or bureaucratic. It's best reserved for formal contexts.
Please keep space between customers.