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B1 noun 8 min read

隣近所

tonarigokinjo
Examples 隣近所 in 30 Seconds
Explanation 隣近所 in your Level:
At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word 'Tonarikinjo' yet, but it's helpful to understand the basic parts that make it up. 'Tonari' means 'next to' and 'Kinjo' means 'neighborhood'. Think of 'Tonarikinjo' as a very close neighborhood where you know the people living right next to you. At this stage, you should focus on 'Tonari' (next to) and 'Kinjo' (neighborhood) separately. If you see this word, just remember it means the houses and people very close to your home. It's like saying 'the people next door and around here.' You might hear it in very simple stories about where someone lives.
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At the A2 level, you can start to recognize 'Tonarikinjo' as a single concept. You might hear it when people talk about their daily lives. For example, 'Tonarikinjo no hito' means 'neighborhood people.' You should know that it's a bit more specific than just 'Kinjo' (neighborhood). It focuses on the people who live right around your house. If you move to a new place in Japan, you might hear this word when someone tells you to go and say hello to your neighbors. It's a useful word for basic social interactions and describing your immediate living environment in simple terms.
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At B1, the level this word belongs to, you should be able to use 'Tonarikinjo' correctly in sentences. You should understand that it implies a social connection. It's not just a place; it's a group of people. You can use it to talk about neighborhood problems (like noise), community events, or just general gossip. You should be comfortable using it with particles like 'ni' (to/for the neighbors) and 'to' (with the neighbors). This is the level where you start to understand the cultural importance of 'Gokinjo-zukiai' (neighborhood relations) and how 'Tonarikinjo' is the core of that social circle.
At the B2 level, you should understand the nuances between 'Tonarikinjo', 'Kinjo', and 'Kinrin'. You should know that 'Tonarikinjo' sounds more personal and warmer than the formal 'Kinrin'. You can use it in discussions about social issues in Japan, such as the decreasing sense of community in big cities. You should also be able to use it in more complex grammatical structures, such as describing how actions affect the reputation of your household within the 'Tonarikinjo'. You might also start to notice it in literature or news reports where the social fabric of a community is being discussed.
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At the C1 level, you should have a deep understanding of the sociological implications of 'Tonarikinjo'. You can discuss the historical shift from 'Muko-sangen ryodonari' to modern urban isolation. You should be able to use the word in formal debates or essays about urban planning and community building. You will recognize it in sophisticated literature where it might be used to symbolize the pressure of social conformity or the safety net of a traditional community. You should also be familiar with idiomatic expressions and set phrases that include this word or its components.
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At the C2 level, you have a native-like grasp of 'Tonarikinjo'. You understand its use in various registers, from the most casual gossip to its appearance in legal or sociological academic texts (though often replaced by 'Kinrin' there). You can appreciate the word's use in classical or early modern literature to describe the tight-knit 'Nagaya' (tenement house) culture of the Edo period. You can use the term with precise nuance to convey specific social atmospheres and understand the deep-seated cultural expectations of mutual surveillance and support that the word implies in a Japanese context.
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Examples

隣近所 in 30 Seconds

  • Tonarikinjo means the immediate neighborhood and the people living there.
  • It is a compound of 'tonari' (next door) and 'kinjo' (vicinity).
  • It emphasizes social relationships and mutual aid within a small residential circle.
  • It is commonly used in discussions about community, noise, or moving house.

The Japanese word 隣近所 (Tonarikinjo) is a compound noun that beautifully captures the essence of immediate community. In its simplest form, it translates to "neighborhood" or "vicinity," but the nuance goes much deeper than just a geographic area. It specifically refers to the collective group of people living in the immediate vicinity of one's home, essentially combining the concepts of "next door" (隣 - tonari) and "neighborhood" (近所 - kinjo).

Semantic Breakdown
The first part, 隣 (Tonari), refers to the house or person directly adjacent to you. The second part, 近所 (Kinjo), refers to the nearby area. When fused together, they create a term that encompasses the entire social circle of your immediate residential area. It is less about the map and more about the human relationships that exist within a few dozen meters of your front door.
Social Context
In Japanese culture, the concept of muko-sangen ryodonari (three houses across and two next door) is the traditional definition of your primary social sphere. 隣近所 is the word used when discussing the reputation, cooperation, or daily interactions within this group. You might use it when talking about who is helping with the garbage collection or who heard a loud noise last night.

うちの隣近所はみんな親切な人ばかりです。
(Uchi no tonarikinjo wa minna shinsetsu-na hito bakari desu.)
"Everyone in our neighborhood is very kind."

You will encounter this word frequently in residential settings. It is a very practical word. If you are moving into a new apartment, you might ask about the 隣近所 to gauge whether the area is quiet or friendly. If there is a power outage, you might check if the 隣近所 also has no lights. It differs from just saying 'area' because it implies a shared living experience.

隣近所に迷惑をかけないようにしましょう。
(Tonarikinjo ni meiwaku o kakenai you ni shimashou.)
"Let's try not to cause trouble for the neighbors."

Historically, Japan relied heavily on mutual aid within these small clusters. From firefighting to festival planning, the 隣近所 unit was the fundamental building block of society. Even today, in modern apartment complexes (manshon), the term remains relevant for discussing shared walls and communal spaces. It carries a sense of "we are all in this together" or, conversely, "we must maintain appearances for the neighbors."

Register and Usage
It is a neutral to slightly polite term. It is common in daily conversation, news reports about local incidents, and community newsletters. It is not overly formal like kinrin (neighborhood/vicinity in official documents), nor is it as casual as just saying muko (over there).

最近は、隣近所との付き合いが減っている。
(Saikin wa, tonarikinjo to no tsukiiai ga hette iru.)
"Lately, interactions with the immediate neighborhood have been decreasing."

Using 隣近所 (Tonarikinjo) effectively requires understanding its grammatical placement and the verbs it typically pairs with. Because it functions as a noun, it often acts as the subject or object of a sentence, frequently followed by particles like wa, ni, to, or no.

With the Particle 'Ni' (Direction/Target)
When you are doing something for or to the neighborhood, use ni. This is most common with verbs like aisatsu suru (to greet) or meiwaku o kakeru (to cause trouble).

引っ越してきたので、隣近所に挨拶に行きました。
(Hikkoshite kita node, tonarikinjo ni aisatsu ni ikimashita.)
"Since I moved in, I went to greet the neighbors."

With the Particle 'To' (Mutual Interaction)
Use to when discussing relationships or interactions. The phrase tonarikinjo to no tsukiiai (socializing with neighbors) is a very common set phrase in Japanese sociology and daily life.

隣近所と仲良くするのは大切です。
(Tonarikinjo to nakayoku suru no wa taisetsu desu.)
"It is important to get along with your neighbors."

You can also use it as a possessive with no. For example, tonarikinjo no uwasabanashi (neighborhood gossip) or tonarikinjo no hito (a person from the neighborhood). This helps specify that someone or something belongs specifically to that immediate circle.

隣近所の音が気になって眠れません。
(Tonarikinjo no oto ga ki ni natte nemuremasen.)
"I can't sleep because the neighborhood noise is bothering me."

You will hear 隣近所 (Tonarikinjo) in various contexts, from casual chats to news reports. One of the most common places is in idobata kaigi (well-side meetings), which is a term for neighborhood gossip or informal gatherings of neighbors. In these situations, the word is used to discuss who is doing what or if someone has moved in or out.

News and Media
In news reports about local crimes, fires, or even community events, the reporter might interview the 隣近所 to get a sense of the victim's character or the events leading up to the incident. You might hear phrases like Tonarikinjo no hanashi ni yoru to... (According to the neighbors...).

その事件は、隣近所の人たちに大きな衝撃を与えた。
(Sono jiken wa, tonarikinjo no hitotachi ni ookina shougeki o ataeta.)
"That incident gave a huge shock to the people in the neighborhood."

Neighborhood Associations (Chonaikai)
When participating in local community activities, the term is used to emphasize the importance of regional solidarity. Leaders might urge everyone to look out for their 隣近所 during natural disasters like earthquakes or typhoons.

災害時は、隣近所で助け合いましょう。
(Saigai-ji wa, tonarikinjo de tasukeaimashou.)
"In times of disaster, let's help each other within our neighborhood."

In fiction, specifically in shousetsu (novels) and manga that focus on daily life (slice of life), 隣近所 is a key element. It sets the stage for the social environment of the protagonist. If a character is described as having a bad relationship with their 隣近所, it immediately tells the reader that their life is complicated or isolated.

While 隣近所 (Tonarikinjo) is straightforward, learners often make a few key mistakes, primarily related to overusing it or confusing it with similar terms like kinjo or tonari.

Mistake 1: Confusing with 'Tonari'
If you only want to talk about the person living in the house next to you, use tonari. Using tonarikinjo implies a broader range. If you say you borrowed salt from your 隣近所, it sounds like you went to several houses or the collective group, which is a bit strange.

❌ 隣近所から醤油を借りた。
✅ 隣の人から醤油を借りた。
(Tonari no hito kara shouyu o karita.)
"I borrowed soy sauce from the person next door."

Mistake 2: Confusing with 'Kinjo'
Kinjo is more general. If you are talking about a supermarket in your area, use kinjo no suupaa. Using 隣近所 for a supermarket sounds incorrect because a supermarket is not a 'neighbor' in the social sense; it's just a nearby facility.

❌ 隣近所のスーパーは安いです。
✅ 近所のスーパーは安いです。
(Kinjo no suupaa wa yasui desu.)
"The nearby supermarket is cheap."

Another mistake is the formality level. While it's common, it's not the best choice for very formal writing, such as a legal document or a highly academic paper. In those cases, kinrin or shuuhen chiiki (surrounding area) is preferred.

To truly master 隣近所 (Tonarikinjo), it helps to see how it compares to its cousins. Each of these words covers a similar geographic space but with different social or formal nuances.

隣 (Tonari)
Focuses purely on what is adjacent. It can be a house, a person sitting next to you, or even a country. It is much more specific and less 'community-oriented' than tonarikinjo.
近所 (Kinjo)
The most common word for "neighborhood." It covers a wider area than tonarikinjo. A park ten minutes away is in your kinjo, but it's not in your tonarikinjo.
近隣 (Kinrin)
This is the formal/technical version. You see this in news reports, police statements, and real estate documents. It feels cold and objective compared to the warmer, more personal tonarikinjo.
界隈 (Kaiwai)
Refers to a specific district or neighborhood known for something, like Shinjuku-kaiwai (around Shinjuku). It's more about the atmosphere of an area rather than the social ties between residents.

隣近所 vs 近所
「隣近所の人」: People living right around my house (Social focus).
「近所の公園」: The park in my neighborhood (Location focus).

In summary, choose 隣近所 when you want to highlight the human relationships and the immediate, shared living space. It is a word that carries the weight of community expectations and mutual support, making it a vital part of understanding Japanese social dynamics.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tɒnʌrikindʒoʊ/
US /toʊnɑrikindʒoʊ/
Flat pitch accent in Japanese, with a slight rise on 'na-ri'.
Rhymes With
Kinjo Shinjo Honjo Gojo Dojo Enjo Kanjo Tenjo
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'jo' as 'yo'.
  • Stress on the first syllable.
  • Merging 'n' and 'j' too harshly.
  • Shortening the 'o' sounds at the end.
  • Misreading the kanji as 'rin-kin-jo'.
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Examples by Level

1

となりきんじょに、ともだちがいます。

I have a friend in the neighborhood.

Simple 'ni' particle to show location.

2

となりきんじょは、しずかです。

The neighborhood is quiet.

Using 'wa' to describe the subject.

3

となりきんじょの、いぬです。

It is a neighborhood dog.

Possessive 'no' linking the neighborhood and the dog.

4

となりきんじょに、いきます。

I am going to the neighborhood.

Directional 'ni'.

5

となりきんじょの、ひと。

Neighborhood person.

Noun + no + Noun.

6

となりきんじょは、どこですか。

Where is the neighborhood?

Basic question structure.

7

となりきんじょで、あそびます。

I play in the neighborhood.

Locational 'de'.

8

となりきんじょ、すきです。

I like the neighborhood.

Simple preference.

1

隣近所の人に挨拶しました。

I greeted the neighbors.

Past tense verb.

2

隣近所は、とてもにぎやかです。

The neighborhood is very lively.

Adverb 'totemo' modifying an adjective.

3

隣近所に、新しい家が建ちました。

A new house was built in the neighborhood.

Intransitive verb 'tachimashita'.

4

隣近所の子供たちと遊びました。

I played with the neighborhood children.

Particle 'to' meaning 'with'.

5

隣近所にお店はありません。

There are no shops in the neighborhood.

Negative existence 'arimasen'.

6

隣近所を散歩するのが好きです。

I like taking walks in the neighborhood.

Particle 'o' for the path of movement.

7

隣近所はみんな優しいです。

Everyone in the neighborhood is kind.

Quantifier 'minna'.

8

隣近所の名前を知っていますか。

Do you know the names of the neighbors?

Question with 'ka'.

1

隣近所に迷惑をかけないように気をつけています。

I'm careful not to bother the neighbors.

Phrase 'meiwaku o kakeru' (to cause trouble).

2

隣近所との付き合いは、都会では難しいです。

Neighborhood relationships are difficult in the city.

Complex noun phrase 'to no tsukiiai'.

3

地震の時、隣近所で助け合いました。

During the earthquake, we helped each other in the neighborhood.

Reciprocal verb 'tasukeau'.

4

隣近所の噂話には興味がありません。

I'm not interested in neighborhood gossip.

Noun 'uwasabanashi'.

5

隣近所の騒音で、夜眠れませんでした。

I couldn't sleep at night because of the neighborhood noise.

Cause indicated by 'de'.

6

隣近所の評判が良いので、安心して住めます。

The neighborhood has a good reputation, so I can live here with peace of mind.

Conjunction 'node' for reason.

7

隣近所に新しい家族が引っ越してきました。

A new family has moved into the neighborhood.

Compound verb 'hikkoshite kuru'.

8

隣近所で見かけない顔の人がいました。

There was a person I don't usually see in the neighborhood.

Relative clause 'mikakenai'.

1

隣近所の手前、庭をきれいに保たなければならない。

For the sake of appearance to the neighbors, I must keep the garden clean.

Grammar point 'temae' (out of concern for appearances).

2

隣近所の結束が強く、防犯意識が高い地域だ。

It's an area where neighborhood unity is strong and crime prevention awareness is high.

Noun 'kessoku' (unity/solidarity).

3

隣近所からの苦情が来ないか、いつもハラハラしている。

I'm always nervous about whether complaints will come from the neighbors.

Onomatopoeia 'hara-hara'.

4

隣近所の冠婚葬祭には、できるだけ出席するようにしている。

I try to attend neighborhood ceremonial occasions as much as possible.

Set phrase 'kankonsousai'.

5

隣近所の助けなしには、この村での生活は成り立たない。

Life in this village wouldn't be possible without the help of the neighbors.

Double negative 'nashi ni wa... naritatanai'.

6

隣近所とのトラブルを避けるために、ルールを守るべきだ。

To avoid trouble with neighbors, one should follow the rules.

Structure 'tame ni' (in order to).

7

隣近所の視線が気になって、自由に振る舞えない。

I'm self-conscious about the neighbors' eyes and can't act freely.

Noun 'shisen' (gaze/eyes).

8

隣近所との境界線をめぐって、争いが起きている。

A dispute is occurring over the boundary lines with the neighbors.

Phrase 'o megutte' (concerning/over).

1

近代化に伴い、隣近所の互助機能が失われつつある。

With modernization, the mutual aid function of the neighborhood is being lost.

Grammar 'tsutsu aru' (is in the process of).

2

隣近所のコミュニティが希薄化することは、孤独死の増加につながる。

The weakening of neighborhood communities leads to an increase in solitary deaths.

Causality with 'ni tsunagaru'.

3

隣近所のしがらみに縛られたくないと考える若者が増えている。

An increasing number of young people think they don't want to be bound by neighborhood ties.

Noun 'shigarami' (social bonds/obligations).

4

隣近所という概念そのものが、都市部では変容してきている。

The very concept of 'neighborhood' is transforming in urban areas.

Emphasis with 'sono mono' (itself).

5

隣近所の監視の目が、かつては犯罪抑止力として機能していた。

Neighborhood surveillance used to function as a crime deterrent.

Noun 'yokushiryoku' (deterrent).

6

隣近所との良好な関係を築くことは、災害レジリエンスの向上に寄与する。

Building good relationships with neighbors contributes to improving disaster resilience.

Verb 'kiyu suru' (contribute).

7

隣近所のプライバシーをどこまで尊重すべきか、議論が分かれている。

Opinions are divided on how much one should respect the privacy of neighbors.

Structure 'doko made... beki ka'.

8

隣近所への配慮を欠いた行動が、深刻な社会問題を引き起こしている。

Actions lacking consideration for neighbors are causing serious social problems.

Relative clause 'hairyo o kaita'.

1

隣近所の喧騒を離れ、山奥の静寂に身を置くことにした。

Leaving the bustle of the neighborhood behind, I decided to place myself in the silence of the deep mountains.

Literary verb 'mi o oku'.

2

隣近所の情愛が、かつての日本の長屋文化の真髄であった。

The affection within the neighborhood was the essence of Japan's former tenement culture.

Noun 'shinzui' (essence/soul).

3

隣近所の無理解が、彼女を精神的な孤立へと追い込んでいった。

The neighborhood's lack of understanding gradually drove her into mental isolation.

Structure 'e to oikonde iku'.

4

隣近所の平穏を乱す輩には、厳正な対処が必要である。

Strict measures are necessary for those scoundrels who disturb the peace of the neighborhood.

Derogatory noun 'yakara' (fellows/scoundrels).

5

隣近所の目という無形の圧力が、個人の自由を阻害している側面もある。

There is also an aspect where the intangible pressure of 'the neighbors' eyes' hinders individual freedom.

Noun 'sokumen' (aspect/side).

6

隣近所の共助なくして、超高齢社会の課題解決は不可能だ。

Without neighborhood mutual assistance, solving the challenges of a super-aging society is impossible.

Structure 'nakushite... wa fukanou'.

7

隣近所の変遷を辿れば、その土地の歴史が自ずと見えてくる。

If you trace the transitions of the neighborhood, the history of that land will naturally come into view.

Adverb 'onozuto' (naturally/of its own accord).

8

隣近所という運命共同体において、我々は如何に振る舞うべきか。

How should we behave in this community of destiny that is the neighborhood?

Noun 'unmei kyoudoutai' (community of destiny).

Common Collocations

隣近所に挨拶する
隣近所に迷惑をかける
隣近所と付き合う
隣近所の評判
隣近所の噂
隣近所の助け合い
隣近所の騒音
隣近所の手前
隣近所の付き合いを絶つ
隣近所を回る

Common Phrases

隣近所のよしみ

— Being good neighbors; neighborly friendship.

隣近所のよしみで、これを受け取ってください。

隣近所の目

— The watchful eyes of the neighbors; public scrutiny.

隣近所の目を気にして生きるのは疲れる。

隣近所一帯

— The whole neighborhood area.

火事で隣近所一帯が停電した。

隣近所の顔ぶれ

— The lineup of people in the neighborhood.

隣近所の顔ぶれが変わってしまった。

隣近所の困りごと

— Neighborhood troubles or issues.

隣近所の困りごとを解決する。

隣近所の付き合いがない

— Having no interaction with neighbors.

隣近所の付き合いがないのは寂しい。

隣近所がうるさい

— The neighbors are noisy.

隣近所がうるさくて勉強に集中できない。

隣近所に知らせる

— To inform the neighborhood.

不審者がいたことを隣近所に知らせた。

隣近所の子供

— A child from the neighborhood.

隣近所の子供たちが公園で遊んでいる。

隣近所を気にする

— To be mindful/worry about the neighbors.

あまり隣近所を気にしすぎるのも良くない。

Idioms & Expressions

"向こう三軒両隣"

— The three houses across and two next door; a traditional term for immediate neighbors.

向こう三軒両隣には挨拶を済ませました。

Traditional
"遠くの親類より近くの他人"

— A good neighbor nearby is better than a relative far away.

隣近所の人にはいつも助けられています。遠くの親類より近くの他人ですね。

Proverb
"隣の芝生は青い"

— The grass is always greener on the other side.

隣近所の家が立派に見えるが、隣の芝生は青いだけかもしれない。

General
"井戸端会議"

— Well-side meeting; neighborhood gossip.

隣近所の奥さんたちが井戸端会議をしている。

Casual
"袖振り合うも多生の縁"

— Even a chance meeting is due to karma; emphasizes the importance of neighborly ties.

隣近所になったのも何かの縁です。

Literary
"壁に耳あり障子に目あり"

— Walls have ears and sliding doors have eyes; be careful what you say in the neighborhood.

隣近所には秘密が漏れやすい。壁に耳ありだ。

Proverb
"隣の客はよく柿食う客だ"

— A famous tongue twister involving a 'neighbor'.

隣の客はよく柿食う客だを三回言ってください。

Playful
"火事と喧嘩は江戸の華"

— Fires and quarrels are the flowers of Edo; refers to the frequent neighborhood events in old Tokyo.

隣近所の喧嘩も昔は賑やかだった。

Historical
"同じ釜の飯を食う"

— To eat from the same pot; to share a close bond like neighbors often do.

隣近所で同じ釜の飯を食うような仲だ。

Idiomatic
"類は友を呼ぶ"

— Birds of a feather flock together; similar people often end up in the same neighborhood.

この隣近所は静かな人ばかりで、類は友を呼ぶですね。

Proverb

Word Family

Nouns

隣
近所
近隣
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