近寄らないで
chikayoranaide
In Japanese, 'stay away' is expressed as 近寄らないで (chikayoranaide).
Depending on the form chosen, the nuance can range from a polite request to a harsh, forceful command.
Meaning: Translations (verb)
Which one should you use?
While 近寄らないで is a common way to say 'don't come near me', 離れていてください specifically translates to 'please stay away' and 近づかないでください means 'please don't approach'. For a much harsher and more forceful command used in high-tension situations or by someone in authority, you might hear 近寄るな.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form 近寄らないで is informal. To make a command polite and suitable for strangers or formal situations, you can use 近寄らないでください. The form 近寄るな is informal and commanding.
How does it change in a sentence?
For example, 近寄らないでください is a polite way to request that someone stays away.
How do you pronounce it?
chikayoranaide
Did you know?
- In Japanese pop culture and anime, the phrase 近寄るな is often used as a trope to establish a 'lone wolf' character who pushes others away to hide a secret or protect them.
- The word 近寄る is often used in Japanese literature to describe not just physical movement, but also the psychological act of 'drawing close' to someone's heart or secrets.
- To express the idea of 'staying away' from a dangerous area, Japanese often uses the word 立入禁止 'tachi-iri kinshi', which literally means 'entry forbidden' and is seen on signs everywhere.
Examples in context
- ちょっと具合が悪いから、今日は近寄らないで。I'm feeling a bit unwell, so please don't come near me today.
- 危ないから、近寄らないで。Abunai kara, chikayoranaide.It's dangerous, so stay away.
- そんなに近寄らないでください。Sonna ni chikayoranaide kudasai.Please don't come too close.
- 汚いから、近寄らないで！Kitanai kara, chikayoranaide!It's dirty, so stay away!
Example conversation
Kenta is warning Yui about a stray dog.
- 健太 Kenta結衣、その犬に近寄らないで！Yui, sono inu ni chikayoranaide!Yui, stay away from that dog!
- 結衣 Yuiえっ、どうして？Eh, doushite?Eh, why?
- 健太 Kentaすごく怒っているみたいだ。Sugoku okotte iru mitai da.It looks really angry.
- 結衣 Yuiわかった。離れるね。Wakatta. Hanareru ne.I understand. I'll move away.
