近づく
When you want to express that something is moving closer, you can use the verb 近づく (chikazuku). This word is often used for things that are literally getting nearer in terms of physical distance.
You might use it to talk about a person, an object, or even an event that is approaching. For example, you could say a car is getting closer, or that an important deadline is approaching. It's a versatile verb for indicating movement towards something.
When discussing natural phenomena like storms, 「近づく」(chikazuku) is the most appropriate verb to use. It means "to approach" or "to come near."
You might hear it in news reports or everyday conversation when referring to weather changes, like a typhoon getting closer to the coast.
For example, 「台風が近づいています」(taifuu ga chikazuite imasu) means "A typhoon is approaching." This verb specifically highlights the natural movement or progression of such events.
When discussing natural phenomena like storms, 「近づく」(chikazuku) is the most appropriate verb to use. It describes something moving closer or approaching a location or point in time.
For example, if a typhoon is approaching Japan, you would say 「台風が日本に近づいています」 (Taifū ga Nihon ni chikazuite imasu), meaning "A typhoon is approaching Japan."
You might also hear it in phrases like 「目的地に近づく」 (mokutekichi ni chikazuku) for "to approach the destination" or 「試験日が近づく」 (shikenbi ga chikazuku) for "the exam day is drawing near."
While other verbs might express proximity, 「近づく」 specifically carries the nuance of active movement or progression towards something, making it ideal for natural occurrences that move independently.
§ Understanding 近づく (chikazuku)
The Japanese verb 近づく (chikazuku) means 'to approach' or 'to come near.' It's a versatile verb you'll hear and use often, whether talking about physical proximity, the approach of an event, or even getting closer to a goal. It's an A2 level verb, so it's essential for building your basic Japanese communication skills.
- Meaning
- To approach; to come near; to get closer to (a person, place, time, or objective).
§ Basic Usage with を (o) and に (ni)
近づく is an intransitive verb, meaning it doesn't take a direct object with を (o). Instead, you often use the particle に (ni) to indicate the thing or place being approached. Think of に (ni) here as indicating the destination or target of the approaching action.
駅に近づく。
Hint: Approaching the station.
夏休みに近づいています。
Hint: Summer vacation is approaching.
§ Using と (to) with 近づく (chikazuku)
You can also use と (to) with 近づく (chikazuku), especially when describing drawing physically close to someone or something, often implying a shared action or mutual movement. It can also be used when a certain state or situation is being reached.
彼と近づく。
Hint: To get closer to him.
ゴールと近づく。
Hint: To get closer to the goal.
§ Common Scenarios for 近づく (chikazuku)
Let's look at some common situations where you'll hear or use 近づく (chikazuku).
- Physical approach: This is the most straightforward use.
犬が私に近づいてきた。
Hint: The dog came closer to me.
- Approaching a time or event: Use this when something is imminent.
試験の日が近づいている。
Hint: The exam day is approaching.
- Approaching a goal or target: When you're making progress toward something.
目標達成に近づく。
Hint: To get closer to achieving the goal.
§ Related vocabulary
- 近づける (chikazukeru)
- This is the transitive form of 近づく (chikazuku). It means 'to bring something closer' or 'to move something closer to.' It takes a direct object with を (o).
椅子をテーブルに近づける。
Hint: To move the chair closer to the table.
§ Understanding 近づく
You've learned that 近づく (chikazuku) means 'to approach' or 'to come near'. It's a really common verb you'll hear in many situations. Let's break down where you're most likely to encounter it.
- Japanese Word
- 近づく (chikazuku)
- Meaning
- To approach; to come near (e.g., a storm, a deadline, a person).
§ In Daily Conversation
You'll hear 近づく in everyday chat when people talk about someone or something getting closer. Think about it when you're making plans or just observing your surroundings.
駅に近づくと、人が増えてきた。(Eki ni chikazuku to, hito ga fuete kita.)
- Hint
- As we approached the station, more people appeared.
夏が近づいている。(Natsu ga chikazuite iru.)
- Hint
- Summer is approaching.
§ At Work and School
In professional or academic settings, 近づく is often used when discussing deadlines, project phases, or events. It's a practical word for managing time and expectations.
- Deadlines: You'll hear it often when a project or assignment deadline is near.
- Events: Company events, school festivals, or exams are also subjects for 近づく.
- Goals: Sometimes, reaching a goal can also be expressed with this word.
締め切りが近づいているので、急いでください。(Shimekiri ga chikazuite iru node, isoide kudasai.)
- Hint
- The deadline is approaching, so please hurry.
試験の日はもうすぐそこまで近づいています。(Shiken no hi wa mou sugu soko made chikazuite imasu.)
- Hint
- The exam day is already drawing near.
§ In the News
News reports frequently use 近づく, especially when talking about natural phenomena, major events, or political developments. It conveys a sense of anticipation or urgency.
- Weather: Typhoons, storms, or cold fronts approaching a region.
- Events: Major international conferences, elections, or festivals.
- Situations: A country approaching a decision, or a crisis coming near.
台風が日本列島に近づいています。(Taifuu ga Nihon retto ni chikazuite imasu.)
- Hint
- A typhoon is approaching the Japanese archipelago.
選挙が近づき、政治家の演説が増えた。(Senkyo ga chikazuki, seijika no enzetsu ga fueta.)
- Hint
- As the election approached, politicians' speeches increased.
§ Practice Using 近づく
The best way to master 近づく is to start listening for it in these contexts and then try to use it yourself. Pay attention to what kinds of nouns it's paired with.
- Listen: When watching Japanese news or dramas, try to catch when 近づく is used.
- Speak: Describe something in your environment that is getting closer, or an event that is coming up.
- Write: Write a short sentence about an upcoming deadline or a person approaching you.
How Formal Is It?
"台風が本土に接近しています。(Taifū ga hondo ni sekkin shiteimasu.)"
"電車が駅に近づいてきました。(Densha ga eki ni chikazuite kimashita.)"
"あの子に近寄らない方がいいよ。(Ano ko ni chikayoranai hou ga ii yo.)"
"ママがちかづいてきたよ。(Mama ga chikazuite kita yo.)"
"ちょっと詰めてくれる？ (Chotto tsumete kureru?)"
أمثلة حسب المستوى
電車が駅に近づくと、アナウンスが流れ始めます。
As the train approaches the station, announcements start.
近づく (chikazuku) is an intransitive verb meaning 'to approach'.
猫がゆっくりと私に近づいてきたので、撫でてあげました。
The cat slowly approached me, so I petted it.
〜てきた (te kita) indicates movement towards the speaker.
試験の日が近づいているので、もっと勉強しなければなりません。
The exam day is approaching, so I have to study more.
〜ている (te iru) can indicate a continuous state or an ongoing situation.
台風が近づいているので、外出は控えてください。
A typhoon is approaching, so please refrain from going out.
〜ている (te iru) indicates an ongoing situation.
春が近づくと、花が咲き始めます。
As spring approaches, flowers start to bloom.
〜と (to) indicates a natural consequence or habitual action.
彼の誕生日が近づいているので、プレゼントを買いに行きます。
His birthday is approaching, so I'm going to buy a present.
〜ている (te iru) indicates an ongoing situation.
ゴールに近づくにつれて、観客の声援が大きくなった。
As we got closer to the goal, the cheers from the audience grew louder.
〜につれて (ni tsurete) means 'as... (changes), ... (changes too)'.
あの建物に近づかないでください。危険です。
Please don't approach that building. It's dangerous.
〜ないでください (naide kudasai) is a polite negative command.
تلازمات شائعة
العبارات الشائعة
駅に近づくと、人が増えてきた。
As I approached the station, there were more people.
試験日が近づいているので、よく勉強している。
The exam day is approaching, so I'm studying hard.
あの犬は近づくと吠える。
That dog barks when you get close to it.
暗闇が近づいてきた。
Darkness was approaching.
彼の意見は私の考えに近づいている。
His opinion is getting closer to my way of thinking.
猫がゆっくりと私に近づいてきた。
A cat slowly approached me.
飛行機が空港に近づいています。
The airplane is approaching the airport.
冬が近づくと、雪が降る。
When winter approaches, it snows.
新しい技術が完成に近づいている。
The new technology is nearing completion.
台風が本州に近づいています。
A typhoon is approaching Honshu.
يُخلط عادةً مع
While both mean 'to approach,' 寄る often implies physical proximity with intention, like 'stopping by' or 'huddling together,' whereas 近づく is more general movement.
Both mean 'to approach,' but 接近する is often more formal, technical, or implies a closer, more imminent approach, especially for phenomena like typhoons.
This specifically refers to physically approaching a person or object to get close enough for interaction, while 近づく is broader.
تعبيرات اصطلاحية
"足音が近づく"
Footsteps approach.
夜道で足音が近づくのを感じた。
neutral"期限が近づく"
A deadline is approaching.
提出期限が近づいているので、急いでいる。
neutral"ゴールが近づく"
The goal is getting closer.
マラソンでゴールが近づくと、みんな必死になった。
neutral"年が近づく"
The end of the year is approaching.
年末が近づくと、忙しくなる。
neutral"危険が近づく"
Danger is approaching.
警告サインは危険が近づいていることを示している。
neutral"別れが近づく"
Farewell is approaching.
卒業式が近づき、別れが寂しい。
neutral"チャンスが近づく"
An opportunity is approaching.
この仕事は、キャリアアップのチャンスが近づいている。
neutral"真実に近づく"
To get closer to the truth.
捜査によって、真実に一歩近づいた。
neutral"完成に近づく"
To near completion.
プロジェクトは完成に近づいている。
neutral"心に近づく"
To get closer to someone's heart/feelings.
彼女の心に近づくために、努力した。
neutralسهل الخلط
Both 近づく and 寄る can mean 'to approach' or 'to get closer.'
近づく implies a more general movement towards something, often gradually, and can refer to abstract concepts (e.g., 'the deadline approaches'). 寄る suggests moving physically closer to something or someone, often with the intention of joining or staying near. It can also mean 'to stop by.'
電車が駅に<b>近づく</b>。 (The train approaches the station.)
Both terms mean 'to approach' or 'to draw near.'
接近する often implies a closer, more imminent approach, especially in formal or technical contexts (e.g., 'a typhoon approaching'). It can also be used for interpersonal closeness in a formal way. 近づく is more general and can apply to a wider range of situations, including abstract ones.
台風が日本列島に<b>接近する</b>。 (A typhoon approaches the Japanese archipelago.)
Both 近づく and 近寄る mean 'to approach' or 'to come near.'
近寄る specifically means to move physically closer to a person or object, often with the nuance of 'to get close enough to touch or interact.' It usually refers to a living being or something that can be physically interacted with. 近づく is broader and can apply to non-physical or abstract approaches.
犬に<b>近寄る</b>な。 (Don't approach the dog.)
Both can describe something 'approaching' or 'drawing near,' especially in the context of time or pressure.
迫る often carries a stronger sense of urgency, pressure, or inevitability. It can mean 'to press for,' 'to urge,' or 'to be imminent.' While deadlines or events can 近づく, 迫る emphasizes the pressure or the direct impact of that approach.
締め切りが<b>迫って</b>いる。 (The deadline is approaching/looming.)
Both imply movement towards a destination.
向かう means 'to head towards' or 'to face.' It emphasizes the direction of movement rather than necessarily getting close to the destination itself. You can 向かう somewhere without actually 近づく (e.g., 'to head towards the mountains' but still be far away). 近づく focuses on the diminishing distance.
私たちは駅に<b>向かって</b>いる。 (We are heading towards the station.)
عائلة الكلمة
الأسماء
الصفات
احفظها
وسيلة تذكّر
Think of 'chi-ka-zu-ku' as 'chickens are zooming in, getting close!'
ربط بصري
Imagine a shy cat slowly 'chi-ka-zu-ku-ing' towards you, inching closer and closer.
Word Web
تحدٍّ
Try to use 近づく in a sentence today. Describe something that is coming closer to you or an event that is approaching. For example, '夏休みが近づいています。' (Natsuyasumi ga chikazuite imasu. - Summer vacation is approaching.)
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةThe plain form is also 近づく (chikazuku).
It conjugates to 近づきます (chikazukimasu).
The past tense is 近づいた (chikazuita).
Yes, you can use 近づく for people. For example, 彼に近づく (kare ni chikazuku) means to approach him.
近づく is a verb meaning to approach or to come near. 近い (chikai) is an adjective meaning near or close.
Yes, it can. For example, 目標に近づく (mokuhyou ni chikazuku) means to approach a goal.
The negative form is 近づかない (chikazukanai).
You can say 近づかないでください (chikazukanaide kudasai) for please don't come near, or 近づくな (chikazuku na) for a more direct don't come near!
Yes, you could say もっと近づいてください (motto chikazuite kudasai) meaning please come closer.
Yes, for instance, 試験の日が近づく (shiken no hi ga chikazuku) means the exam day is approaching.
اختبر نفسك 48 أسئلة
駅に___。
The sentence means 'I went to the station.' '行きました' (ikimashita) means 'went'.
これは私の___です。
The sentence means 'This is my book.' '本' (hon) means 'book'.
私は___を飲みます。
The sentence means 'I drink water.' '水' (mizu) means 'water'.
___は美味しいです。
The sentence means 'Sushi is delicious.' '寿司' (sushi) is a type of Japanese food.
おはよう___。
'おはようございます' (ohayou gozaimasu) is a polite way to say 'Good morning'.
お元気___？
'お元気ですか' (ogenki desu ka) means 'How are you?' or 'Are you well?'.
What is approaching?
What happened when they got closer to the station?
What season is coming near?
Read this aloud:
猫が私に近づいてきた。
Focus: ちかづいてきた (chikazuite kita)
قلت:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
試験が近づいている。
Focus: しけんがちかづいている (shiken ga chikazuite iru)
قلت:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
彼が私に近づいてきた。
Focus: かれがわたしにちかづいてきた (kare ga watashi ni chikazuite kita)
قلت:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This sentence means 'Spring is approaching.' The particle 'が' marks the subject '春' (spring), and 'に' indicates the direction of '近づいています' (is approaching).
This means 'Please don't go near the dog.' '犬に' specifies 'to the dog,' 'は' adds emphasis, and '近づかないでください' is the polite negative command.
This translates to 'The exam is approaching.' '試験が' is the subject, and '近づいています' means 'is approaching.'
The storm is approaching.
The cat approached me slowly.
The exam day is gradually approaching.
Read this aloud:
危険が近づいている。
Focus: きけんがちかづいている
قلت:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
夏が近づくと、旅行の計画を立てます。
Focus: なつがちかづくと、りょこうのけいかくをたてます。
قلت:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
目標に一歩ずつ近づいている。
Focus: もくひょうにいちぽずつちかづいている。
قلت:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This sentence means 'The exam is approaching.' '試験' (shiken) means exam, 'が' (ga) is a subject particle, '近づいて' (chikazuite) is the -te form of '近づく' (chikazuku - to approach), and 'います' (imasu) indicates an ongoing state.
This sentence means 'He approached the door.' '彼' (kare) means he, 'は' (wa) is a topic particle, 'ドア' (doa) means door, 'に' (ni) is a particle indicating direction, and '近づいた' (chikazuita) is the past tense of '近づく'.
This sentence means 'A typhoon is approaching Japan.' '台風' (taifū) means typhoon, 'が' (ga) is a subject particle, '日本' (Nihon) means Japan, 'に' (ni) is a particle indicating direction, and '近づいています' (chikazuite imasu) indicates an ongoing state of approaching.
What should you do because a storm is approaching?
How did he feel as the exam day approached?
What is difficult to do, and what should you try?
Read this aloud:
時間が近づいています。
Focus: ちかづいています
قلت:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
彼は私に近づいてきました。
Focus: ちかづいてきました
قلت:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
冬が近づくと、雪の準備をします。
Focus: ふゆがちかづくと
قلت:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
What should you do because a storm is approaching?
How did the students feel as the exam date got closer?
What did she do when she approached the baby?
Read this aloud:
危険な動物に近づいてはいけません。
Focus: 近づいてはいけません (chikazuite wa ikemasen)
قلت:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
夏が近づくと、ビーチは人で賑わいます。
Focus: 近づくと (chikazuku to), 賑わいます (nigiwaimasu)
قلت:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
目標に一歩ずつ近づいています。
Focus: 一歩ずつ (ippo zutsu), 近づいています (chikazuite imasu)
قلت:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
The particles 'に' and 'が' correctly mark the destination and subject, respectively. The verb '近づいている' (is approaching) follows the subject.
The order shows '目標に' (towards the goal) followed by '着実に' (steadily) and then the action 'を近づける' (to bring closer) with '努力する' (to make an effort) as the main verb.
The phrase '冬の季節が近づくと' (as winter approaches) sets the temporal condition, followed by the main clause '人々は準備を始める' (people start preparations).
/ 48 correct
Perfect score!
مثال
台風が近づいているので注意が必要です。
محتوى ذو صلة
مزيد من كلمات weather
積もる
A2To pile up (e.g., snow).
のち
A2Later; afterwards (used in weather forecasts).
避ける
B1To avoid; to dodge.
氷点下
A2Below freezing point; temperature below 0 degrees Celsius.
長靴
A2Rain boots; waterproof boots worn to protect feet from rain.
穏やかな
B1Calm; mild (na-adjective).
快晴
A2Clear skies; perfectly clear and sunny weather.
快適な
A2Comfortable; pleasant (na-adjective).
涼む
B1To cool oneself; to enjoy the cool air.
小雨
A2Light rain; gentle, sparse rainfall.
