JLPT N5 Vocabulary – Difference between “近く” and “そば”

Table of Contents

1. Difference between “近ちかく” and “そば”
2. 近ちかく
3. そば
4. Let’s Compare
5. Summary
6. Similar Articles
7. Comment

Q: Is there a difference between “近ちかく” and “そば” ?

A: These two words have similar meanings, but there are some differences in their usage and connotations.

近ちかく (JLPT N5)

[Meanings]
① Physical proximity
② (When used with numerals) a state that is close to that number

[Examples]
駅えきの近ちかくにコンビニがあります。(①)
There is a convenience store near the station.

近ちかくのスーパーで買かい物ものをしました。(①)
I shopped at a nearby supermarket.

弟おとうとは6時じ近ちかくに帰かえってきました。(②)
My younger brother came home around 6 o’clock.

会社かいしゃまでバスで30分ぷん近ちかくかかります。(②)
It takes nearly 30 minutes by bus to get to the office.

そば (JLPT N5)

[Meanings]
① Spatial proximity
② Proximity to a reference point
③ A state of being very close
④ (Emotionally or mentally) Someone being close by

[Examples]
コンビニのそばにポストがあります。(①)
There is a mailbox near the convenience store.

川かわのそばでピクニックをしました。(②)
We had a picnic by the river.

犬いぬがわたしのそばに寄り添よ　そって寝ねています。(③)
The dog is sleeping snuggled up next to me.

仲間なかまがそばにいるので何なにも怖こわくありません。(④)
I am not afraid of anything because my friends are always by my side.

Let’s Compare

[近ちかく・そば]

Both terms are based on a reference point. “近ちかく” indicates proximity in the distance and refers to a relatively wide area. On the other hand, “そば” denotes spatial closeness and emphasizes a relatively narrow area.

Therefore, “そば” is considered to be closer to the reference point. The sense of distance varies from person to person, but let’s look at the illustration below. You can see that “そば” is closer to the house.

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[近ちかく]

◆Temporal ProximityWhen used with numerals or words expressing time, “近ちかく” has a similar meaning to “around” or “approximately,” indicating “nearly that time.” “そば” cannot be used in this way.

[Examples]　
昼ひる近ちかくに起おきました。
I woke up around noon.

5時じ近ちかくにここを出でよう。
Let’s leave here around 5 o’clock.

同おなじ商品しょうひんを30こ近ちかく買かいました。
I bought nearly 30 of the same item.

It can also indicate that a birthday or event is approaching from a reference date. In this case, it is used in conjunction with words like “なる”, “なっている”, and “なってくる”.

[Examples]
毎年まいとし、誕生たんじょう日びが近ちかくなるとワクワクします。
I get excited every year as my birthday approaches.

出産しゅっさんの日ひが近ちかくなっています。
The due date is getting closer.

ゆみさんの誕生たんじょう日びが近ちかくなってきたからプレゼントを買かおう。
Yumi’s birthday is coming up, so let’s buy a present.

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[そば]

It expresses the state of something being very close to a reference point. Therefore, when used together with “近ちかく”, these differences emerge.

[Example]
（The reporter is describing the condition of the ship.）
「この近ちかくに大おおきな船ふねが泊とまっています。」
「船ふねはこちらへ向むかっています。わたしたちのすぐそばに来きています。」
“There is a large ship anchored nearby. The ship is heading this way. It is coming right next to us.”

◆When a person or living being is emotionally or mentally close, “そば” (soba) is used. “近ちかく” does not have this meaning and cannot be used interchangeably.

[Examples]　
犬いぬがそばにいると落ち着お　つきます。
I feel calm when the dog is by my side.

友達ともだちはいつもそばにいて応援おうえんしてくれます。
My friends are always by my side and support me.

Summary

[近ちかく]

• It expresses the physical proximity from a reference point to a certain location, indicating a relatively wide range.
• It can also be used to express temporal proximity.

[そば]

• It emphasizes spatial proximity and closeness to a reference point.
• It is also used to express the state of a person or living being being emotionally or mentally close.

Similar Articles

Comment for any questions!