1.
approach, getting closer
The act of coming nearer or drawing close to something or someone.
台風が接近している。
A typhoon is approaching.
車が接近してくるのが見えた。
I could see a car approaching.
大型の台風が明日日本に最も接近する見込みだ。
The large typhoon is expected to make its closest approach to Japan tomorrow.
2.
becoming close (in relationship)
Developing a closer relationship with someone.
二人は急に接近した。
The two of them suddenly became close.
仕事を通じて彼と接近する機会が増えた。
Through work, I had more opportunities to get close to him.
共通の趣味がきっかけで二人は接近した。
A shared hobby brought the two of them closer together.
接近 describes physical approach or getting closer in a relationship. It's commonly used in weather reports for approaching storms.
COMMON CONTEXTS:
- Weather: 台風が接近する (typhoon approaching)
- Military/aviation: 敵機が接近 (enemy aircraft approaching)
- Relationships: 二人が接近する (two people getting closer)
- Traffic: 車両が接近 (vehicle approaching)
RELATED WORDS:
- 近づく: to approach, get close (more general)
- 迫る: to approach, draw near (often with sense of pressure)
- 離れる: to separate, move away (opposite)