ご近所
ご近所 in 30 Sekunden
- Refers to both the physical neighborhood and the neighbors themselves.
- Usually used with the honorific prefix 'go' for social politeness.
- Key to understanding Japanese community social norms and obligations.
- Commonly used in phrases about neighborhood relations and reputation.
The Japanese word ご近所 (Gokinjo) is a nuanced noun that transcends the simple English translation of 'neighborhood.' While it fundamentally refers to the immediate vicinity of one's residence, its usage is deeply intertwined with the social fabric of Japanese life. The term is composed of the honorific prefix ご (go), the kanji 近 (kin) meaning 'near,' and 所 (jo/tokoro) meaning 'place.' Together, they create a term that is both spatial and communal.
- The Spatial Aspect
- In a physical sense, 'Gokinjo' refers to the area within walking distance of your home. It includes the local convenience store, the small park around the corner, and the houses lining your street. However, unlike the more clinical term 'kinrin' (vicinity), 'Gokinjo' feels intimate and personal.
- The Human Aspect
- Crucially, 'Gokinjo' often refers to the *people* living in that area. When someone says 'Gokinjo-san,' they are referring to their neighbors as a collective group. This reflects the Japanese cultural emphasis on the 'sekentei' (public eye) and the importance of maintaining harmony within one's immediate social environment.
引越しの挨拶に、ご近所を回りました。
(I went around the neighborhood to give my moving-in greetings.)
In Japanese society, the neighborhood is often managed by a 'Chonaikai' (Neighborhood Association). These associations handle everything from trash collection rules to local festivals (matsuri). Therefore, when you use the word 'Gokinjo,' you are often invoking this complex system of mutual aid and shared responsibility. Whether you are discussing the latest gossip or organizing a local cleanup, 'Gokinjo' serves as the primary stage for your community life. It is the boundary between the private 'uchi' (inside/home) and the vast 'soto' (outside world).
Using ご近所 (Gokinjo) correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a noun and its typical collocations. It can function as the subject of a sentence, an object, or a modifier when paired with the particle 'no'.
- As a Collective Noun
- When referring to the neighbors as people, you often use 'Gokinjo-san' or simply 'Gokinjo' followed by a verb describing social interaction. For example, 'Gokinjo to nakayoku suru' (to get along with neighbors).
- As a Location Modifier
- Using 'Gokinjo no' allows you to specify something within the neighborhood. 'Gokinjo no kouen' (a neighborhood park) or 'Gokinjo no oishii panya-san' (a delicious bakery in the neighborhood).
ご近所の迷惑にならないように、静かにしてください。
(Please be quiet so as not to bother the neighbors.)
One of the most common contexts for 'Gokinjo' is the concept of 'Gokinjo-zukiai' (neighborhood relations). This encompasses the small talk (aisatsu) exchanged while taking out the trash or the occasional sharing of seasonal produce (o-susowake). In urban areas like Tokyo, 'Gokinjo-zukiai' might be minimal, whereas in rural areas, it is often deep and mandatory. Understanding this spectrum is key to using the word naturally.
この辺りはご近所付き合いがとても盛んです。
(Neighborhood relations are very active in this area.)
Finally, 'Gokinjo' is often used in the context of 'Gokinjo-trouble' (neighborhood disputes). This Katakana-heavy term refers to issues like noise complaints, trash disposal arguments, or boundary disputes. When discussing these sensitive topics, using the polite 'Gokinjo' helps maintain a level of social decorum even when the subject matter is unpleasant.
You will encounter ご近所 (Gokinjo) in various settings, ranging from mundane daily life to popular media. It is a staple of the 'Slice of Life' genre in anime and manga, where neighborhood dynamics often drive the plot.
- Daily Interactions
- When a new neighbor moves in, they often bring a small gift (like towels or detergent) and say, 'Gokinjo ni narimashita' (I have become your neighbor). This is the 'Hikkoshi-aisatsu' ritual.
- Media and Pop Culture
- Anime like 'Sazae-san' or 'Chibi Maruko-chan' are built entirely around 'Gokinjo' interactions. These shows depict a nostalgic version of Japan where everyone knows their neighbors and looks out for one another.
「ご近所物語」という有名な漫画があります。
(There is a famous manga called 'Neighborhood Story.')
In news reports, you might hear 'Gokinjo' used when reporters interview residents about a local incident. Phrases like 'Gokinjo de wa hyouban no...' (well-reputed in the neighborhood...) are common when describing a local person or business. It establishes a sense of local credibility and shared knowledge.
ご近所の目があるから、あまり派手なことはできない。
(Because of the eyes of the neighborhood, I can't do anything too flashy.)
In literature, 'Gokinjo' often represents the suffocating nature of community expectations. Authors like Natsuo Kirino or Sayaka Murata frequently explore how 'Gokinjo' pressure can lead to social isolation or psychological tension. Thus, the word carries both a sense of warmth/safety and a sense of surveillance/restriction, depending on the context.
While ご近所 (Gokinjo) seems straightforward, English speakers often stumble on its specific nuances and social baggage. Here are the most frequent errors.
- Confusing 'Gokinjo' with 'Tonari'
- 'Tonari' refers specifically to the person or house *right next door*. 'Gokinjo' is the broader area. If you say 'Gokinjo ga urusai' (The neighborhood is noisy), you are complaining about the whole area. If it's just the person next door, use 'Tonari no hito.'
- Overusing 'Kinjo' without 'Go'
- While 'Kinjo' is grammatically correct, using it in polite conversation can sound a bit cold or overly clinical. 'Gokinjo' adds a layer of social respect that is expected when discussing your community or other people's homes.
Incorrect: 近所さんは優しいです。
Correct: ご近所の方は優しいです。
(The people in the neighborhood are kind.)
Another mistake is using 'Gokinjo' when 'Jimoto' (hometown/local area) is more appropriate. 'Gokinjo' is very localized—usually within a 5-10 minute walk. 'Jimoto' refers to the town or city you are from or currently identify with. You wouldn't say 'Gokinjo no matsuri' if it's a city-wide festival; you would use 'Jimoto no matsuri.'
❌ 近所に帰る (Going back to the neighborhood - sounds like you're just returning home from a walk).
✅ 地元に帰る (Going back to my hometown).
Lastly, avoid using 'Gokinjo' to refer to a business district. It is primarily a residential term. If you are in Shinjuku surrounded by skyscrapers, you wouldn't call the area 'Gokinjo' unless you actually live in one of the few residential pockets there. For commercial areas, 'Kono hen' (this area) or 'Machi' (town/city) is better.
To truly master the concept of 'neighborhood' in Japanese, you must distinguish ご近所 (Gokinjo) from its synonyms. Each has a specific register and scope.
- 近隣 (Kinrin)
- Meaning 'vicinity' or 'neighborhood,' this is a formal, often academic or legal term. You see it on signs like 'Kinrin juumin no kata e' (To the local residents) or in news reports about 'Kinrin-trouble.' It lacks the warmth of 'Gokinjo.'
- 付近 (Fukin)
- Meaning 'nearby' or 'around,' this is purely geographical. 'Eki fukin' (near the station). It doesn't imply a community or the people living there, just physical proximity.
- 地元 (Jimoto)
- Meaning 'local area' or 'hometown.' This has a strong sense of identity. 'Jimoto no hito' are people who grew up there or have deep roots. 'Gokinjo' is where you live now; 'Jimoto' is where you belong.
Word Nuance Example Context Gokinjo Social/Residential Greeting neighbors Kinrin Formal/Legal Construction notice Fukin Geographical Map directions Tonari Immediate Next door noise
Then there is 界隈 (Kaiwai). This term is often used for specific districts or 'vibe' areas, like 'Shinjuku-kaiwai' (the Shinjuku area/scene). It’s more trendy and less about residential living. If you are talking about the community of artists in an area, 'kaiwai' is better. If you are talking about the people you share a trash collection point with, 'Gokinjo' is the only choice.
In summary, choose 'Gokinjo' when you want to sound polite, community-oriented, and focused on the everyday life of residents. Choose its alternatives when you need to be more precise about distance, formality, or regional identity.
How Formal Is It?
Wusstest du?
The honorific 'Go' was added during the Edo period to show respect to the community and the 'Sekentei' (public eye).
Aussprachehilfe
- Pronouncing 'jo' as 'cho'.
- Over-emphasizing the 'n' sound.
- Using a rising intonation like a question.
- Dropping the 'u' sound at the end (though it is short, it should be clear).
- Confusing the pitch accent with 'Kinjo' (which is also flat).
Schwierigkeitsgrad
Kanji are common and learned early.
Kanji for 'Jo' (所) can be tricky to balance.
Pronunciation is simple and flat.
Very common word in daily life and media.
Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest
Voraussetzungen
Als Nächstes lernen
Fortgeschritten
Wichtige Grammatik
Honorific Prefix 'Go/O'
ご近所、お名前、お手紙
Particle 'No' for Possession/Location
ご近所の公園
Existence Verbs 'Arimasu/Imasu'
ご近所に人がいます
Compound Nouns
ご近所付き合い
Polite Negative 'Ni naranai'
迷惑にならない
Beispiele nach Niveau
ご近所に公園があります。
There is a park in the neighborhood.
Uses 'ni' to show location.
ご近所のスーパーは安いです。
The neighborhood supermarket is cheap.
Uses 'no' to modify the noun 'super'.
ご近所を散歩します。
I take a walk in the neighborhood.
Uses 'o' to show the area of movement.
ここは静かなご近所です。
This is a quiet neighborhood.
Adjective + noun structure.
ご近所の犬が吠えています。
A neighborhood dog is barking.
Possessive 'no'.
ご近所に友達が住んでいます。
A friend lives in the neighborhood.
Location + 'ni' + 'sunde imasu'.
ご近所のパン屋さんはおいしいです。
The neighborhood bakery is delicious.
Topic marker 'wa' with an adjective.
ご近所はどこですか?
Where is your neighborhood?
Simple question 'doko desu ka'.
ご近所の人に挨拶しました。
I greeted the people in the neighborhood.
Direct object of 'aisatsu'.
ご近所で火事がありました。
There was a fire in the neighborhood.
'De' indicates where an event happened.
ご近所の迷惑にならないようにしましょう。
Let's try not to be a nuisance to the neighbors.
'Meiwaku ni naru' (to be a nuisance).
新しいご近所さんに会いました。
I met a new neighbor.
Adding '-san' makes it refer to people.
ご近所でお祭りがあります。
There is a festival in the neighborhood.
'De' for event location.
ご近所の子供たちが遊んでいます。
The neighborhood children are playing.
Plural '-tachi'.
ご近所に新しいカフェができました。
A new cafe opened in the neighborhood.
'Dekimashita' (was made/opened).
ご近所のゴミ出しのルールを教えてください。
Please tell me the neighborhood's trash disposal rules.
Compound noun 'gomi-dashi'.
ご近所付き合いは大切だと思います。
I think neighborhood relations are important.
Compound noun 'Gokinjo-zukiai'.
ご近所の目が気になるので、庭をきれいにします。
I'm worried about what the neighbors think, so I'll clean the garden.
'Me ga ki ni naru' (to care about eyes/reputation).
ご近所からお裾分けをいただきました。
I received a gift of food from the neighbors.
'O-susowake' (sharing extra food).
ご近所トラブルを避けるために、防音対策をしました。
To avoid neighborhood trouble, I installed soundproofing.
'Gokinjo-trouble' is a common term.
ご近所の評判が良いレストランに行きました。
I went to a restaurant with a good reputation in the neighborhood.
'Hyouban ga ii' (well-reputed).
ご近所のネットワークを使って、迷子の子猫を探しました。
I used the neighborhood network to look for a lost kitten.
Use of loanword 'network'.
ご近所の皆さんと一緒に掃除をしました。
I cleaned up together with everyone in the neighborhood.
'Mina-san to issho ni'.
ご近所の変わりがないか、毎日確認しています。
I check every day to see if there are any changes in the neighborhood.
'Kawari ga nai ka' (if there are changes).
都市部ではご近所付き合いが希薄になっています。
In urban areas, neighborhood relations are becoming weaker.
'Kihaku' (thin/weak).
ご近所の騒音問題が解決せずに困っています。
I'm in trouble because the neighborhood noise problem hasn't been solved.
'Souon mondai' (noise problem).
ご近所一帯が停電になりました。
The whole neighborhood had a power outage.
'Ittai' (the whole area).
ご近所の防犯意識を高めるための会議が開かれました。
A meeting was held to raise crime prevention awareness in the neighborhood.
'Bouhan ishiki' (crime prevention awareness).
ご近所の手前、あまり夜遅くまでは働けません。
For the sake of appearances in the neighborhood, I can't work too late.
'Temae' (for the sake of appearances).
ご近所の空き家が増えているのが心配です。
I'm worried that the number of vacant houses in the neighborhood is increasing.
'Akiya' (vacant house).
ご近所の方々と協力して、防災訓練を行いました。
We cooperated with the neighborhood people to conduct a disaster drill.
'Kyouryoku shite' (cooperating).
ご近所の景観を守るために、看板の設置が制限されています。
To protect the neighborhood's scenery, the installation of signs is restricted.
'Keikan' (scenery/landscape).
ご近所というコミュニティが、かつての相互扶助機能を失いつつある。
The community known as 'Gokinjo' is losing its former mutual aid function.
Formal 'tsutsu aru' (in the process of).
ご近所トラブルがエスカレートし、民事訴訟に発展するケースも少なくない。
There are many cases where neighborhood troubles escalate into civil lawsuits.
'Sukunaku nai' (double negative for emphasis).
ご近所の目という「ソフトな監視」が、地域の治安維持に寄与している。
The 'soft surveillance' of the neighborhood's eyes contributes to maintaining local public safety.
'Kiyo shite iru' (contributing to).
ご近所付き合いの煩わしさを避けるために、タワーマンションを選ぶ層が増えている。
The number of people choosing high-rise apartments to avoid the hassles of neighborhood relations is increasing.
'Wazurawashisa' (hassle/annoyance).
震災時、ご近所同士の「共助」が多くの命を救ったことは記憶に新しい。
It is still fresh in our memories that 'mutual help' among neighbors saved many lives during the earthquake.
'Kyoujo' (cooperative help).
ご近所の境界線をめぐる争いは、古今東西を問わず存在する根深い問題だ。
Disputes over neighborhood boundaries are deep-rooted issues that exist regardless of time or place.
'Kokon-touzai o towazu' (regardless of time or place).
ご近所という概念が、SNSなどの仮想空間へと拡張されている。
The concept of 'Gokinjo' is being extended into virtual spaces like SNS.
'Kakuchou sarete iru' (is being expanded).
ご近所の多様性を認めることが、これからの多文化共生社会には不可欠である。
Recognizing neighborhood diversity is essential for a future multicultural society.
'Fukaketsu' (indispensable).
近世の長屋文化における「ご近所」は、血縁を超えた擬似的な家族共同体であった。
In the tenement culture of the early modern period, 'Gokinjo' was a pseudo-family community that transcended blood ties.
Academic 'Gijiteki' (pseudo/simulated).
都市化の進展に伴い、ご近所という空間的制約は、個人のアイデンティティ形成において影を潜めている。
With the progress of urbanization, the spatial constraints of the neighborhood are becoming less prominent in the formation of individual identity.
'Kage o hisomeru' (to disappear/fade away).
ご近所トラブルの根底には、都市生活におけるプライバシーの主張と共同体の論理の衝突がある。
At the root of neighborhood trouble lies a conflict between the assertion of privacy in urban life and the logic of the community.
Complex noun phrase structure.
限界集落化が進む地方では、ご近所という互助システムそのものが崩壊の危機に瀕している。
In rural areas where depopulation is progressing, the mutual aid system of the neighborhood itself is on the verge of collapse.
'Kiki ni hinshite iru' (on the verge of crisis).
「ご近所」という言葉が内包する排他性は、時として「村八分」のような陰惨な事態を招きかねない。
The exclusiveness inherent in the word 'Gokinjo' can sometimes lead to grim situations like 'Murahachibu' (social ostracism).
'Kanenai' (could possibly result in - negative).
ジェントリフィケーションによるご近所の変容は、地域固有の文化資本を毀損させる恐れがある。
The transformation of neighborhoods due to gentrification threatens to damage the region's unique cultural capital.
'Kison saseru' (to damage/deface).
ご近所というミクロな社会単位における合意形成は、民主主義の原点とも言える。
Consensus building in the micro-social unit of the neighborhood can be called the origin of democracy.
'Genten to mo ieru' (can be said to be the origin).
現代の孤独社会において、ご近所という緩やかな繋がりをいかに再構築するかが、喫緊の課題となっている。
In today's lonely society, how to reconstruct the loose connections of the neighborhood has become an urgent issue.
'Kikkin no kadai' (urgent issue).
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
— Used when introducing yourself as a new neighbor.
今日からご近所になりまして、よろしくお願いします。
— Because we are neighbors (implying a favor or bond).
ご近所のよしみで、これを受け取ってください。
— The whole neighborhood.
ご近所中で噂になっている。
— The general neighborhood area.
ご近所界隈を散策する。
— Extremely polite way to refer to neighbors.
ご近所様にご迷惑をおかけしました。
— A special 'neighborhood discount' (rare but exists).
ご近所価格で安くしてくれた。
— To cut off relations with neighbors.
彼はご近所付き合いを断っている。
— A local influential person or leader.
彼はこのご近所の顔役だ。
— Local transportation/means of getting around.
自転車はご近所の足として便利だ。
— Neighborhood mutual aid.
災害時はご近所の助け合いが不可欠だ。
Wird oft verwechselt mit
Tonari is only the house next door; Gokinjo is the whole area.
Jimoto is your hometown; Gokinjo is your current neighborhood.
Fukin is just physical proximity; Gokinjo implies people and community.
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
— The three houses across the street and the houses on both sides; your immediate neighbors.
向こう三軒両隣には挨拶に行きましょう。
Traditional— A neighbor nearby is better than a relative far away.
困った時は、遠くの親類より近くの他人だね。
Proverb— Walls have ears, shoji have eyes (be careful, neighbors are listening).
ご近所では噂が早いから、壁に耳ありだよ。
Warning— Well-side meeting; neighborhood gossip.
ご近所の奥さんたちが井戸端会議をしている。
Casual— To have many visitors (like a market at the gate).
あのご近所の家はいつも人が多くて、門前市を成している。
Literary— Even a chance encounter (like brushing sleeves) is karma; treat everyone well.
ご近所の縁も大切にしたい。
Philosophical— The grass is always greener on the other side.
ご近所の生活が羨ましく見えるが、隣の芝生は青いだけだ。
Common— When in Rome, do as the Romans do (follow neighborhood rules).
ご近所のルールは、郷に入っては郷に従えだ。
Instructional— Being in the same boat; sharing the same fate (often used for communities).
このご近所は一蓮托生だ。
Strong— A crane in a rubbish heap (someone remarkably beautiful/talented in a plain neighborhood).
彼女はこのご近所では掃き溜めに鶴のような存在だ。
DescriptiveLeicht verwechselbar
Dropping the 'Go'.
Kinjo is more clinical/casual; Gokinjo is the socially polite standard.
近所を歩く (Neutral) vs ご近所の皆様 (Polite)
Both mean neighborhood.
Kinrin is used for official notices or news; Gokinjo is for personal talk.
近隣トラブル (News) vs ご近所トラブル (Daily talk)
Both mean 'area'.
Kaiwai is for districts (Shinjuku-kaiwai); Gokinjo is for where people live.
裏原宿界隈 (Trendy) vs 静かなご近所 (Residential)
Both mean 'around'.
Shuupen is formal and refers to the periphery of a specific object.
駅の周辺 (Station surroundings).
Both mean 'vicinity'.
Atari is vague and casual, like 'this way' or 'around here'.
この辺り (This area).
Satzmuster
ご近所に [Noun] があります。
ご近所にスーパーがあります。
ご近所の [Noun] は [Adjective] です。
ご近所の公園はきれいです。
ご近所と [Verb-te] います。
ご近所と仲良くしています。
ご近所の迷惑にならないように [Verb]。
ご近所の迷惑にならないように静かに歩く。
ご近所という [Noun] において...
ご近所という共同体において役割を果たす。
ご近所の変容が [Noun] を招く。
ご近所の変容が社会の孤立を招く。
ご近所の評判では...
ご近所の評判では、あの店は最高だ。
ご近所を [Verb-movement]。
ご近所を散歩しました。
Wortfamilie
Substantive
Verben
Adjektive
Verwandt
So verwendest du es
Extremely common in daily life, moderately common in literature.
-
Using 'Gokinjo' for 'hometown'.
→
Jimoto (地元)
Gokinjo is where you live now. Jimoto is where you are from.
-
Saying 'Kinjo-san' to a neighbor.
→
Gokinjo-san (ご近所さん)
Dropping the 'Go' sounds overly casual or slightly rude when addressing someone.
-
Using 'Gokinjo' for a specific shop next door.
→
Tonari (隣)
Gokinjo is the whole area; Tonari is specifically 'next door'.
-
Using 'Gokinjo' in a legal document.
→
Kinrin (近隣)
Kinrin is the professional term for neighborhood/vicinity in formal writing.
-
Confusing 'Gokinjo' with 'Kaiwai'.
→
Kaiwai (界隈)
Kaiwai is for trendy districts; Gokinjo is for residential neighborhoods.
Tipps
The Gift Rule
When you move into a new 'Gokinjo', it's customary to bring a small gift (under 1000 yen) to your immediate neighbors.
Greetings Matter
A simple 'Ohayou gozaimasu' (Good morning) to 'Gokinjo-san' goes a long way in maintaining peace.
Particle Choice
Use 'ni' for existence (there is a store), 'de' for actions (I ran), and 'o' for movement (I walked through).
Compound Power
Learn 'Gokinjo-zukiai' as a single unit; it's one of the most common ways to use the word.
Trash Talk
Following 'Gokinjo' trash rules is the #1 way to avoid 'Gokinjo-trouble' in Japan.
Anime Insight
Watch 'Sazae-san' to see the idealized version of Japanese 'Gokinjo' life.
Kanji Practice
Focus on the 'Jo' (所) kanji; it appears in many other words like 'Basho' (place).
Respect the Prefix
If you hear 'Go-' before 'Kinjo', the speaker is being polite or talking about social relations.
Softening Tone
Using 'Gokinjo-san' instead of just 'Tonari no hito' makes you sound much friendlier.
The Public Eye
Remember 'Gokinjo no me'—the idea that neighbors are always watching (for better or worse).
Einprägen
Eselsbrücke
Go (Honorific) + Kin (Gold) + Jo (Joe). Imagine 'Honorary Gold Joe' who lives in your neighborhood.
Visuelle Assoziation
Imagine a friendly elderly person (Joe) handing you a golden orange over a fence in your neighborhood.
Word Web
Herausforderung
Try to find three things in your current 'Gokinjo' and name them in Japanese (e.g., Gokinjo no kouen).
Wortherkunft
Derived from Middle Chinese roots. 'Kin' (近) means near, and 'Jo' (所) means place.
Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: A place that is near.
Sino-Japanese (Kango).Kultureller Kontext
Be careful when discussing neighborhood issues; Japanese people value harmony (Wa) and may be indirect about complaints.
In the US/UK, 'neighborhood' is often just a location. In Japan, it's a social contract.
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
Moving House
- 引越しの挨拶
- ご近所回り
- これからお世話になります
- 粗品ですが
Daily Errands
- ご近所のスーパー
- ちょっとそこまで
- 散歩に出る
- ついでに
Socializing
- 井戸端会議
- お裾分け
- 立ち話
- お天気がいいですね
Community Rules
- ゴミ出しの日
- 町内会の集まり
- 回覧板
- 掃除当番
Complaints
- 騒音トラブル
- ご近所迷惑
- 苦情が来る
- 静かにする
Gesprächseinstiege
"このご近所でおすすめのレストランはありますか?"
"ご近所付き合いで大変なことはありますか?"
"最近、ご近所に新しいお店ができましたね。"
"ご近所の猫を見かけたことはありますか?"
"私の家のご近所はとても静かで住みやすいです。"
Tagebuch-Impulse
あなたのご近所はどんな場所ですか?詳しく書いてください。
最近、ご近所の人とどんな話をしましたか?
理想のご近所付き合いについて自分の考えを述べてください。
ご近所で一番好きな場所とその理由を書いてください。
もしご近所トラブルが起きたら、あなたならどう解決しますか?
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNo, it refers to both the physical neighborhood (place) and the people living there. Context determines which one is meant.
You can drop 'Go' when speaking very casually with close friends or family about the physical area, but keeping it is safer and more polite.
Usually, it's considered the area within a 5-10 minute walk from your home—the area where you might bump into people you recognize.
Not usually. It is specifically a residential term. For an office area, use 'Shokuba no chikaku' (Near the workplace).
It can be both! It can refer to 'the neighbors' as a group or a specific neighbor (e.g., 'Gokinjo-san no Tanaka-san').
It refers to the social interactions and relationships between neighbors, including greetings and mutual help.
In big cities, it's increasingly common to have little interaction, but in many areas, basic greetings are still expected to maintain harmony.
The 'Go' is an honorific prefix that makes the word sound softer and more respectful towards the community.
Yes, you can say 'Gokinjo no gyousha ga...' (The neighborhood businesses...) or 'Gokinjo no kankyou ga warui' (The neighborhood environment is bad).
Only if the business is specifically targeting local residents (e.g., a local marketing campaign).
Teste dich selbst 200 Fragen
Write a sentence: 'There is a bakery in the neighborhood.'
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Write a sentence: 'I greeted the neighbor.'
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Say 'Neighborhood' in Japanese.
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Say 'The neighbors are kind.'
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Listen and identify the word: 'Gokinjo no suupaa'.
Listen and identify the action: 'Gokinjo o sanpo suru'.
Write a sentence: 'Neighborhood relations are important.'
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Write a sentence: 'I'm worried about the neighborhood eyes.'
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Write a sentence: 'The neighborhood community is changing.'
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Write 'Neighborhood dog'.
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Write 'Neighborhood festival'.
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Write 'I received a gift from a neighbor.'
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Write 'Neighborhood noise problem'.
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Write 'Neighborhood mutual aid system'.
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Write 'Quiet neighborhood'.
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Write 'New neighbor'.
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Write 'I help my neighbors.'
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Write 'Neighborhood crime prevention'.
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Write 'Neighborhood ties are weakening.'
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Write 'Where is the neighborhood?'
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Write 'I walked in the neighborhood.'
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Write 'A neighbor's reputation'.
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Write 'The whole neighborhood'.
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Write 'Neighborhood consensus'.
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Say 'Neighborhood relations are important.'
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Say 'I'm worried about the neighbors.'
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Say 'The neighborhood community is weakening.'
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Say 'Nearby park'.
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Say 'I met a neighbor.'
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Say 'I received a gift.'
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Say 'Noise problem'.
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Say 'Mutual aid'.
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Say 'Quiet neighborhood'.
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Say 'Let's clean the neighborhood.'
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Say 'Good reputation'.
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Say 'Whole area'.
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Say 'Social surveillance'.
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Say 'My friend lives nearby.'
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Say 'Moving-in greeting'.
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Say 'I bother the neighbors.'
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Say 'Crime prevention meeting'.
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Say 'Multicultural society'.
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Listen: 'Gokinjo-zukiai wa muzukashii'. (What is difficult?)
Listen: 'Souon ga gokinjo-trouble no gen-in desu'. (What caused trouble?)
Listen: 'Gokinjo no me ga bouhan ni naru'. (What helps crime prevention?)
Listen: 'Shizuka na gokinjo'.
Listen: 'Gokinjo-san ni aisatsu'.
Listen: 'O-susowake o ageru'.
Listen: 'Gokinjo-ittai ga kurai'.
Listen: 'Kihaku na gokinjo-zukiai'.
Listen: 'Gokinjo no inu'.
Listen: 'Gokinjo no matsuri'.
Listen: 'Gokinjo no hyouban'.
Listen: 'Akiya ga fueta'.
Listen: 'Sougo-fujo no kino'.
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Summary
Gokinjo (ご近所) is more than just a place; it's a community. Use it when you want to refer to your neighbors or the area around your house politely. Example: 'Gokinjo-zukiai' means neighborhood relations, which are vital for a peaceful life in Japan.
- Refers to both the physical neighborhood and the neighbors themselves.
- Usually used with the honorific prefix 'go' for social politeness.
- Key to understanding Japanese community social norms and obligations.
- Commonly used in phrases about neighborhood relations and reputation.
The Gift Rule
When you move into a new 'Gokinjo', it's customary to bring a small gift (under 1000 yen) to your immediate neighbors.
Greetings Matter
A simple 'Ohayou gozaimasu' (Good morning) to 'Gokinjo-san' goes a long way in maintaining peace.
Particle Choice
Use 'ni' for existence (there is a store), 'de' for actions (I ran), and 'o' for movement (I walked through).
Compound Power
Learn 'Gokinjo-zukiai' as a single unit; it's one of the most common ways to use the word.
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