Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Intimate" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "intimate", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
親しい
したしい (shitashii)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
睦まじい
むつまじい (mutsumajii)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "intimate" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 親しい and 睦まじい.
In Japanese, 親しい (したしい (shitashii)) is typically associated with "intimate, close (friends), familiar" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents An i-adjective describing a close relationship or familiarity between people. Often used for friends, but can also describe a familiar place or environment..
On the other hand, 睦まじい (むつまじい (mutsumajii)) maps to "intimate, friendly, harmonious, cordial" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents An adjective. A literal translation of "intimate" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "親しい"
彼女とは親しい友人です。
She and I are close friends.
Bilingual Context for "睦まじい"
彼ら夫婦はいつも睦まじく暮らしている。
The couple always lives together harmoniously.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼女とは ＿＿＿ 友人です。" (Meaning: "She and I are close friends.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "親しい" fits here because it means "intimate, close (friends), familiar" in the context of: "She and I are close friends.". "睦まじい" represents "intimate, friendly, harmonious, cordial".