Japanese word

近づける

Pronunciation

Romajichikazukeru

Meaning

  • verbbring close

Example

いすを机に近づけます。i su o tsukue ni chika zu ke ma su

I bring the chair close to the desk.

Illustration for 近づける (bring close)

More examples

香りを確かめるために、花に鼻を近づけます。kao ri o tashi ka me ru ta me ni hana ni hana o chika zu ke ma su

I bring my nose close to the flower to check its scent.

Core concept

Describes causing a person or thing to come into closer range of another, with a clear reference point.

Common phrases

  • 顔を近づけるkao o chika zu ke ru

    bring one's face close

  • 手を近づけるte o chika zu ke ru

    bring one's hand close

  • 耳を近づけるmimi o chika zu ke ru

    bring one's ear close

Similar words

寄せるyoseru: To bring a person or thing nearer to a particular point, place, or object, or gather things together.
引き寄せるhikiyoseru: To make a person or thing come closer through pulling or attraction.

Definition in Japanese

二つの物や人の間隔を縮めるように、一方を他方の近くへ動かすこと。futa tsu no mono ya hito no kan kaku o chiji me ru yō ni ip pō o ta hō no chika ku e ugo ka su ko to

Word origin

近づける (chikazukeru) is a native Japanese verb built on 近づく (chikazuku), which is related to 近い (chikai, "near"); the pair contrasts transitive and intransitive use.

Usage tips

  • 近づける (chikazukeru) often describes making a result or condition closer to a desired state, extending the idea of movement to goals and outcomes.

Opposites

  • 遠ざけるtōzakerukeep awayverb

Related words

  • 近づけ方chikazukekataway to bring closernoun

Word lists with this word