1.
suburbs; outskirts; environs
The area surrounding a city, typically residential or semi-rural districts outside the urban center.
東京近郊に住んでいる。
I live in the suburbs of Tokyo.
近郊の農家から新鮮な野菜を仕入れている。
We source fresh vegetables from farms in the suburbs.
都心から近郊に引っ越す家族が増えており、通勤ラッシュがますます深刻になっている。
More families are moving to the suburbs, and rush-hour commuting is becoming increasingly severe.
Compound of 近 (near) + 郊 (outskirts). Not to be confused with the homophone 均衡 (balance, equilibrium).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 都市近郊 (city outskirts)
- 近郊農業 (suburban agriculture)
- 近郊に住む (to live in the suburbs)
USAGE NOTE:
Typically used with larger city names: 東京近郊, 大阪近郊. Similar to 郊外 (suburbs), but 近郊 emphasizes proximity to the city center, while 郊外 focuses on being outside the city proper.