Tonari denotes the immediate side or adjacent position of an object or person.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Refers to the space immediately next to someone or something.
- Commonly used to describe seating, room locations, or neighbors.
- Implies close proximity or adjacency.
Overview
- 1概要：「となり」は、ある対象のすぐ横や隣接する場所を指す言葉です。物理的な位置関係だけでなく、座席や家、あるいは順番など、日常のあらゆる場面で使われます。2) 使用パターン：名詞として「私の隣」「隣の部屋」のように使われるほか、「隣に座る」のように助詞「に」を伴って場所を表す副詞的な役割も果たします。また、「隣の家」のように、後ろの名詞を修飾する形でも頻繁に登場します。3) 一般的な文脈：日常生活では、学校の席、電車の座席、近所付き合い、あるいは物の整理整頓の際に使われます。「隣の人」と言えば、物理的に横にいる人を指すだけでなく、近所の人を指す場合もあります。4) 類語との比較：「横（よこ）」との違いに注意が必要です。「横」は左右の方向を強調し、対象との距離が少しあっても使えますが、「となり」はより「隣接している」「間がない」というニュアンスが強くなります。例えば、同じ列の席は「隣」ですが、少し離れた位置なら「横」の方が自然な場合があります。
Examples
隣の席に座ってもいいですか？
everydayMay I sit in the next seat?
隣家との境界線を確定する。
formalDefine the boundary with the neighboring house.
隣の部屋がうるさい。
informalThe next room is noisy.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
隣同士
next to each other
隣の芝生
the grass is greener on the other side
Often Confused With
Yoko emphasizes the lateral direction (left/right) and can describe objects at a distance. Tonari strictly implies adjacency.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Tonari is a neutral term used in both spoken and written Japanese. It is highly frequent in daily life when giving directions or describing seating arrangements. It is not considered slang, so it is safe to use in almost all social situations.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'yoko' when they actually mean 'tonari'. Remember that 'tonari' is for things directly adjacent, while 'yoko' is for the side direction. Also, remember to attach 'no' when connecting it to another noun.
Tips
Use with particles correctly
Use 'ni' for existence or movement, and 'de' for actions occurring in that location. For example, 'Tonari ni iru' (is next to) vs 'Tonari de hanasu' (talk next to).
Don't confuse with 'yoko'
While they overlap, 'tonari' implies adjacency. Use it when there is no space in between.
Neighborly relationships
In Japan, 'tonari' often implies a sense of community. Maintaining good relations with your 'tonari' is a common social expectation.
Word Origin
Derived from the ancient Japanese word 'tonari' meaning 'adjacent'. It is related to the verb 'tonaru' (to become adjacent).
Cultural Context
In Japanese housing, especially apartments, the 'tonari' is a very close neighbor. It is customary to greet your 'tonari' when moving in to maintain good relations.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Tonari' as 'To-nari' (To the side). It sounds like 'To the near side' of someone else.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「横」は左右の方向を指し、距離が少しあっても使えます。「となり」は隣接している、あるいは間がない状態を指すため、より密接な関係を表します。
文脈によりますが、物理的に横に座っている人や、隣の家に住んでいる近所の人を指すことが多いです。
はい、言い換え可能です。「隣家（りんか）」はより硬い表現で、ニュースや公的な文書で使われます。
「隣に座る」のように移動や存在の場所を示す場合は「に」を使い、「隣で話す」のように動作が行われる場所を示す場合は「で」を使います。
Test Yourself
彼女は私の___座った。
存在や着席する場所を示すため「に」が適切です。
Score: /1
Summary
Tonari denotes the immediate side or adjacent position of an object or person.
- Refers to the space immediately next to someone or something.
- Commonly used to describe seating, room locations, or neighbors.
- Implies close proximity or adjacency.
Use with particles correctly
Use 'ni' for existence or movement, and 'de' for actions occurring in that location. For example, 'Tonari ni iru' (is next to) vs 'Tonari de hanasu' (talk next to).
Don't confuse with 'yoko'
While they overlap, 'tonari' implies adjacency. Use it when there is no space in between.
Neighborly relationships
In Japan, 'tonari' often implies a sense of community. Maintaining good relations with your 'tonari' is a common social expectation.
Examples
3 of 3隣の席に座ってもいいですか？
May I sit in the next seat?
隣家との境界線を確定する。
Define the boundary with the neighboring house.
隣の部屋がうるさい。
The next room is noisy.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More general words
いくつか
B1An unspecified small number of things; some, a few.
ちょっと
A2A little; a moment; a bit. Small amount or short time.
すこし
A2A little; a few.
さっき
A2A little while ago; a short time past.
能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
～について
A2About, concerning; indicates topic.
〜について
B1About, concerning; on the subject of.
～ぐらい
A2about, approximately
ぐらい
A2About; approximately; to the extent of.
