近きん東とう

noun

Near East

Geographical term referring to the region encompassing Western Asia and parts of North Africa. In modern usage, 'Middle East' (中東) is more common, but 近東 is still understood and used in historical or formal contexts.

• 近きん東とうの歴れき史しについて研けん究きゅうしています。

  I am researching the history of the Near East.

• この地ち図ずには近きん東とうの国くに々ぐにが詳くわしく描えがかれている。

  This map shows the countries of the Near East in detail.