近い
chikai[t͡ɕi̥ka̠i]
The English phrase "close to" is translated into Japanese as 近い (chikai).
近い is used to describe things that are near in physical distance. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a close relationship between people or a near miss.
Meaning: near (prep)
How does it change in a sentence?
近い is an i-adjective. This means it can function as a predicate or be used to directly modify a noun. If you need to express that something was close in the past, use the past tense form 近かった.
How do you pronounce it?
chikai
Did you know?
- When describing a 'close call' or a 'near miss' in Japanese, you might use the phrase 間一髪 (kan-ippatsu), which refers to a single hair's breadth of distance.
- In Japanese, the concept of being 'close' is often expressed through the lens of 'inside' and 'outside' groups. A person is not just 'close' to another, but belongs to their 内 'inside' circle.
- While 近い describes physical distance, Japanese uses the word 親しい to describe a 'close' emotional bond between friends. Using 近い for a friendship can sound like you are talking about physical proximity rather than intimacy.
Examples in context
- 私んち、駅に近いんだ。My house is close to a railway station.This sentence uses 近い to describe the proximity of a house to a railway station.Tatoeba #11909900 by small_snow, translation #11074131 by sundown
- ホテルは空港に近いですか。Is the hotel close to the airport?This sentence uses 近い to ask if a hotel is near the airport.Tatoeba #196182 by bunbuku, translation #33358 by CK
- 空港に近いホテルがいいな。I'd prefer a hotel that's close to the airport.This sentence uses 近い to express a preference for a hotel near the airport.Tatoeba #10138440 by small_snow, translation #10138438 by CK
- 近くに銀行はありますか？Is there a bank close by?
- このホテル付近にレストランはありますか？Are there any restaurants near this hotel?
- 会議室は近い場所にあります。The conference room is in a nearby place.
- コンビニは近くにあるよ。There's a convenience store close by.
- パン屋さんは近いところにあるよ。There's a bakery just nearby.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are deciding where to eat lunch.
- 陽葵 Himari近くのレストラン、どこか知ってる？Chikaku no resutoran, dokoka shitteru?Do you know any restaurants nearby?
- 健太 Kenta駅に近いイタリアンがあるよ。Eki ni chikai itarian ga aru yo.There is an Italian place close to the station.
- 陽葵 Himariあそこ、すごく近いね！Asoko, sugoku chikai ne!That is really close!
- 健太 Kenta歩いてすぐだよ。Aruite sugu da yo.It's a very short walk.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 近い, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
