Japanese word

近づく

Pronunciation

Romajichikazuku

Meaning

  • verbapproach, get close

Example

駅に近づきます。eki ni chika zu ki ma su

I approach the station.

Illustration for 近づく (approach)

More examples

犬が私に近づきます。inu ga watashi ni chika zu ki ma su

The dog gets close to me.

台風がこちらに近づいています。tai fū ga ko chi ra ni chika zu i te i ma su

A typhoon is approaching us.

Core concept

Expresses a gradual reduction of distance from a person, place, time, or goal until it is near.

Common phrases

  • 人に近づくhito ni chika zu ku

    approach a person

  • 目的地に近づくmoku teki chi ni chika zu ku

    approach the destination

  • 完成に近づくkan sei ni chika zu ku

    approach completion

Similar words

近寄るchikayoru: To move closer to a person or thing in physical space.
接近するsekkinsuru: To come close to a person, place, or object, often in a formal description.
迫るsemaru: To draw near, especially when a time, deadline, or event is approaching.

Definition in Japanese

ある対象との距離や隔たりが小さくなり、近い所まで来る。a ru tai shō to no kyo ri ya heda ta ri ga chii sa ku na ri chika i tokoro ma de ku ru

Word origin

近づく (chikazuku) combines 近い (chikai, "near") with 付く (tsuku, "attach"), giving the sense of becoming attached to something by coming near it.

Usage tips

  • The subject of 近づく (chikazuku) can be a season or deadline, showing that the verb expresses growing nearness rather than only physical movement.

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word