[JLPT grammar] The difference between ちかく and そば

Today I’m sharing an answer I gave to a question from my student taking my course. I hope it helps you in your Japanese learning journey!

 

[Question from a student]

先生、I was wondering, are そば and ちかく interchangeable, or do they have different meanings?
Is it okay to rephrase 犬は私のそばにいます to 犬は私の近くにいます?

 



 

[My answer]

Yes, you can replace 犬(いぬ)は私(わたし)のそばにいます with 犬は私の近(ちか)くにいます and the meaning will not change much, but there is a slight difference.

そば indicates that the object is closer than 近く. そば means immediately nearby.

犬は私のそばにいます
(Your dog is right next to you, for example, at your feet.)

犬は私の近くにいます
(Your dog is not exactly attached to you but close by, same room, etc.)

 

I hope my explanation helps you. 😊

 

The above correction is just a taste of what my JLPT all-in-one course has to offer (today’s is from the N4).

Our course provides detailed Japanese grammar explanations and personalized feedback on your homework submissions to help you master the language. With homework assignments included in each lesson, you’ll have ample opportunities to practice and improve your skills. Enroll now to receive easy-to-understand support and start your journey towards fluency.

 

———————————–

Need Support From a Professional Teacher?

The JLPT All-In-One course consists of 180 exclusive modules for each level. The levels are, N5, N4, N3, N2, N1 (N2 consists of 240 modules). You can prepare for the JLPT exam for 10 minutes a day as all JLPT subjects are broken down into daily lessons to maximize quality and quantity.

You will receive emails regarding what you need to study for the day, as well as words of support and guidance in the emails.

Submissions of your completed homework are from your PC, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Chika Sensei will give you personalized feedback, emboldening your knowledge of the language.

>>Click here to tour the course!