1.
physical contact, touch
Physical touching or coming into contact between objects, surfaces, or people.
車が壁に接触した。
The car made contact with the wall.
電線に接触すると感電する恐れがある。
There is a risk of electric shock if you touch the power lines.
接触事故で車体に傷がついた。
The car body was scratched in a contact accident.
2.
contact, interaction (with people or groups)
Making contact or establishing communication with a person, organization, or group. Often implies an initial or deliberate approach.
関係者と接触を図る。
To attempt to make contact with the people involved.
異文化との接触は視野を広げてくれる。
Contact with different cultures broadens one's perspective.
感染者との濃厚接触があった人は検査を受けてください。
People who had close contact with an infected person should get tested.
USAGE:
Used as both a noun and a suru verb. Sense 1 describes physical contact between objects or surfaces. Sense 2 describes interpersonal or cross-cultural contact and interaction. The word became widely familiar during the COVID-19 pandemic through the term 濃厚接触 (close contact).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 接触事故: contact accident, fender bender
- 濃厚接触: close contact (epidemiology)
- 接触を図る: to attempt contact
- 接触を避ける: to avoid contact
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 接点: point of contact, connection point
- 触れる: to touch (physical, more everyday)