Japanese word

身近

Pronunciation

Romajimijika

Meaning

  • na-adjectiveclose

Example

身近な人に相談します。mi jika na hito ni sō dan shi ma su

I consult someone close to me.

Illustration for 身近 (close)

More examples

この本は、科学を身近なものにしてくれます。ko no hon wa ka gaku o mi jika na mo no ni shi te ku re ma su

This book makes science feel familiar.

Core concept

Shows that a person or subject is near enough in life or feeling to seem familiar and personally relevant.

Common phrases

  • 身近な人mi jika na hito

    someone close

  • 身近な話題mi jika na wa dai

    a familiar topic

Similar words

親しいshitashii: Describes people who have a close and familiar relationship.

Definition in Japanese

生活や気持ちとの距離が近く、よく知っているように感じるさま。sei katsu ya ki mo chi to no kyo ri ga chika ku yo ku shi tte i ru yō ni kan ji ru sa ma

Word origin

The Japanese compound 身近 (mijika) is built from 身 (mi, "body or self") and 近い (chikai, "near"), giving it the sense of nearness to oneself.

Usage tips

  • Unlike 親しい (shitashii), which mainly describes a close relationship, 身近 (mijika) also describes topics, places, and experiences that feel familiar through everyday contact.

Other meanings

  • familiarna-adjective

Opposites

  • 疎遠soenestrangedna-adjective

Related words

  • 身近さmijikasafamiliaritynoun

Word lists with this word