Japanese symbol for “approach”
迫る
せまる
Romaji: semaru
to approach; to draw near; to be imminent
In Japanese, approach is 迫る, read せまる (semaru).
Before using these characters for a tattoo, check them with a native speaker. Dictionary words often have several meanings, and the right choice depends on context.
Meanings
- v5r, vi to approach; to draw near; to be imminent
- v5r, vt to press (someone for something); to urge; to compel
Written forms: 迫る、逼る. Readings: せまる、せる.
Kanji and stroke order
Other Japanese words for “approach”
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 近づく | ちかづく chikazuku | to approach; to draw near; to get close |
| 来る | くる kuru | to come (spatially or temporally); to approach; to arrive |
| 入り口 | いりぐち iriguchi | entrance; entry; gate |
| 考え方 | かんがえかた kangaekata | way of thinking; point of view; opinion |
| 寄る | よる yoru | to approach; to draw near; to come near |
Related words
Words that share a kanji.
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 脅迫 | きょうはく kyouhaku | threat; menace; coercion |
| 迫力 | はくりょく hakuryoku | impressiveness; impact; force |
| 圧迫 | あっぱく appaku | pressure |
| 迫害 | はくがい hakugai | persecution; oppression |
| 緊迫 | きんぱく kinpaku | tension; strain |
See also: Chinese symbol for “approach”.
Data: JMdict (CC BY-SA 4.0); KANJIDIC2 (CC BY-SA 4.0); KanjiVG (CC BY-SA 3.0); wordfreq (CC BY-SA 4.0 (data)). Retrieved 2026-10-22.