もっと近くに
motto chikaku ni
The English phrase "closer" is translated into Japanese as もっと近くに (motto chikaku ni).
もっと近くに is used to describe moving toward or being in closer proximity to a specific destination or object.
Meaning: Translations (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of motto (more), chikaku (near/proximity) and ni (a particle indicating direction or location).
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle ni at the end makes this an adverbial phrase used to describe moving or being closer to a destination or object.
How do you pronounce it?
motto chikaku ni
Did you know?
- While もっと近くに describes physical distance, Japanese uses the word 親しい (shitashii) to describe people who are 'closer' in terms of emotional intimacy or friendship.
- When asking someone to move 'closer' in a social setting, Japanese speakers often use indirect language or gestures to avoid sounding too demanding, as direct commands can be perceived as aggressive.
- In Japanese, the word 近く (chikaku) functions as a noun meaning 'neighborhood' or 'vicinity', which is why it can be used without a verb to mean 'nearby' in many contexts.
Examples in context
- もっと近くのほうへおいでくださいCome closer to me
- もっと近くのところに座ってもよろしいですか？May I sit closer to you?
- もっと近くに座ろうLet's sit closer
- もっと近くに寄ってください。motto chikaku ni yotte kudasai.Please come a little closer.
- もっと近くに座ってもいいですか？motto chikaku ni suwatte mo ii desu ka?May I sit closer?
- もっと近くに写真を撮りたいです。motto chikaku ni shashin o toritai desu.I want to take a photo from closer up.
Example conversation
Yota is helping Misaki take a photo.
- 陽太 Yotaもっと近くにきてください。Motto chikaku ni kite kudasai.Please come closer.
- 美咲 Misakiこれくらいでいいですか？Kore kurai de ii desu ka?Is about this close okay?
- 陽太 Yotaはい、ちょうどいいです。Hai, choudo ii desu.Yes, that's just right.
- 美咲 Misakiありがとうございます。Arigatou gozaimasu.Thank you very much.
