Japanese word

接近

Pronunciation

Romajisekkin

Meaning

  • nounapproach

Example

台風が接近しています。tai fū ga sek kin shi te i ma su

A typhoon is approaching.

Illustration for 接近 (approach)

More examples

台風の接近で、風が強くなりました。tai fū no sek kin de kaze ga tsuyo ku na ri ma shi ta

As the typhoon approached, the wind grew stronger.

Core concept

Expresses the process of becoming near to a person, place, or target while leaving open whether actual contact occurs.

Common phrases

  • 接近を避けるsek kin o sa ke ru

    avoid approaching

  • 接近に注意するsek kin ni chū i su ru

    watch for an approach

Similar words

接触sesshoku: The act of touching or coming into physical contact with someone or something.
近接kinsetsu: The condition of being located very near a person, place, or object.

Definition in Japanese

物事や人がある場所や対象に近づくこと。mono goto ya hito ga a ru ba sho ya tai shō ni chika zu ku ko to

Word origin

接近 (sekkin) is formed from 接 (setsu, "touch or join") and 近 (kin, "near"), linking the idea of contact with nearness.

Usage tips

  • Unlike 接触 (sesshoku), which means contact, 接近 (sekkin) indicates becoming near and does not imply touching.

Opposites

Related words

  • 接近するsekkinsuruapproachverb

Word lists with this word