1.
to approach, to get close
To move nearer to something.
駅に近づく。
To approach the station.
危険に近づかないで。
Don't get close to the danger.
もっと近づいてください。
Please come closer.
動物に近づくな。
Don't approach the animals.
彼に近づきたい。
I want to get close to him.
2.
to draw near (time)
For a time or event to approach.
夏が近づいている。
Summer is approaching.
試験の日が近づいてきた。
The exam day is drawing near.
締め切りが近づいている。
The deadline is approaching.
卒業の日が近づく。
Graduation day approaches.
年末が近づいてきた。
The end of the year is approaching.
近づく means to approach, either physically or in terms of time.
TRANSITIVITY:
- Type: 自動詞 (intransitive)
- Pair: 近づける (transitive, to bring close)
PATTERN:
Xに近づく: to approach X, get close to X
TWO MAIN USES:
1. Physical approach: 駅に近づく (approach the station)
2. Time approaching: 夏が近づく (summer is approaching)
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 危険に近づくな: Don't approach the danger
- 締め切りが近づいている: The deadline is approaching
- もっと近づいて: Come closer
NEGATIVE WARNING:
〜に近づくな is a common warning meaning "don't go near ~."