Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 接近する | sekkin suru | |
| 近寄る | chikayoru | [t͡ɕika̠jo̞ɾɯ̟] (narrow) |
In Japanese, there are different ways to express 'approach' depending on whether you are describing physical proximity, a method or a passage. The word 接近する is used for physical or mathematical proximity, such as a vehicle approaching a station or a value approaching a limit. For describing a method, a way of dealing with a problem or a social way of approaching a person, the loanword アプローチ is often used. If you are referring to an avenue, passage or the way a building can be approached, you should use 通路.
Which one should you use?
接近する is a formal or technical term used for physical proximity or mathematical limits. In contrast, 近寄る is used when describing a subject moving toward an object. Additionally, while the English 'approach' can be transitive, 近寄る is primarily used intransitively.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
While the English 'approach' can be transitive, 近寄る is primarily used intransitively to describe the subject moving toward an object.
How do you pronounce it?
sekkin suru
Did you know?
- The loanword アプローチ is used in Japanese dating culture to describe the act of pursuing someone or making a romantic move toward them.
- The kanji for 'near' in 近寄る, which is 近, is also the first character in the word for 'kinship' or 'relatives', linking proximity to social connection.
- The verb part 寄る in 近寄る is the same root used in the word 寄り道, which means 'to take a detour' or 'to stop by' somewhere.
Examples in context
- 彼は静かに近づいてきましたHe quietly approached.
- 彼女の元に行って話しかけたI went up to her and started talking.
- 友達の家に寄ってから帰りますI'll drop by my friend's house before going home.
- 彼は私に話しかけるために歩いてきたHe walked up to me to start a conversation.
- 公園のベンチに座っている人に声をかけたI approached the person sitting on the park bench and called out to them.
- 台風がこちらに接近する。Taifuu ga kochira ni sekkin suru.A typhoon is approaching this way.
Example conversation
Himari and Daito are watching a rocket launch on TV.
- 陽葵 Himari見て、ロケットが宇宙に接近しているよ！Mite, roketto ga uchū ni sekkin shite iru yo!Look, the rocket is approaching space!
- 大翔 Hiroto本当だ。すごい速さだね。Hontō da. Sugoi hayasa da ne.You're right. It's incredibly fast.
- 陽葵 Himariもうすぐ目標に接近するはずだよ。Mō sugu mokuhyō ni sekkin suru hazu da yo.It should approach the target soon.
- 大翔 Hiroto成功してほしいね。Seikō shite hoshii ne.I hope it succeeds.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “approach” translations and entries 近寄る, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
