隣
neighboring
Details
Stroke Order
Component Breakdown
hill + 粦
Cultural Context
Etymology
Combines 'hill' (阝) with 'lined fires' (粦), depicting houses with lights lined up—neighboring homes.
Symbolism
Symbolizes neighbors, proximity, and community. Represents relationships with nearby people and mutual aid spirit.
Anime & Manga
となりのトトロ
My Neighbor Totoro(1988)
Interaction with Totoro, a mysterious creature living 'next door.' Symbol of Studio Ghibli.
View on Amazon →Words & Expressions
Four-Character Compounds
善隣友好
ぜんりんゆうこう
neighbourly friendship; neighborly friendship; neighbourly friendship
善隣外交
ぜんりんがいこう
good-neighbor diplomacy; a good-neighbor policy; good-neighbor diplomacy
天涯比隣
てんがいひりん
a great distance does not detract from the feeling (relationship) of endearment; feeling as though a dear one faraway were living in one's close neighborhood; a great distance does not detract from the feeling (relationship) of endearment
Proverbs & Idioms
隣の芝生は青い
となりのしばふはあおい
The grass is greener on the other side
Others always seem better off