Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Close" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "close", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
肉薄
にくはく (nikuhaku)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
手近
てぢか (tejika)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "close" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 肉薄 and 手近.
In Japanese, 肉薄 (にくはく (nikuhaku)) is typically associated with "to close in on, to press hard, to nearly catch up with" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Implies approaching someone/something very closely, often with a sense of pursuit, urgency, or intensity. Can be physical.
On the other hand, 手近 (てぢか (tejika)) maps to "close at hand, handy, accessible, familiar" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents すぐ手の届く範囲にあること、または簡単に利用できること。身近で慣れているという意味でも使われます。. A literal translation of "close" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "肉薄"
彼はライバルに肉薄し、優勝争いを繰り広げた。
He pressed hard against his rival, engaging in a fierce competition for the championship.
Bilingual Context for "手近"
手近なもので朝食を済ませた。
I finished breakfast with what I had close at hand.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼はライバルに ＿＿＿ し、優勝争いを繰り広げた。" (Meaning: "He pressed hard against his rival, engaging in a fierce competition for the championship.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "肉薄" fits here because it means "to close in on, to press hard, to nearly catch up with" in the context of: "He pressed hard against his rival, engaging in a fierce competition for the championship.". "手近" represents "close at hand, handy, accessible, familiar".