密接

みっせつ

connected, close, intimate

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"密接" (みっせつ) is a formal adjective used to describe something that is closely connected, tightly linked, or intimate in relationship. It often appears in contexts involving relationships between people, concepts, or events where a strong connection or close proximity is implied.

Common Contexts

It is frequently used in academic, medical, or formal discussions, such as describing the close relationship between problems, the importance of avoiding close contact to prevent disease, or describing intimate friendships.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 密接に関係する: to be closely related
  • 密接な接触: close contact (often used in health contexts)
  • 密接な関係: intimate or close relationship

Register and Nuance

"密接" is more formal and often used in written or formal spoken Japanese. It is less common in casual conversation where simpler words like "近い" (close) might be used instead.

Common Learner Mistake

Learners sometimes confuse "密接" with "密集" (みっしゅう), which means "dense" or "crowded." Remember that "密接" focuses on the closeness of relationships or connections, not physical crowding.

Example Sentences

このふたつのもんだいはみっせつにかんけいしている。

These two problems are closely related.

かんせんしょうのかくだいをふせぐためには、みっせつなせっしょくをさけることがじゅうようです。

To prevent the spread of infectious diseases, it is important to avoid close contact.

かれらはみっせつなゆうじんかんけいをきずいている。

They have built an intimate friendship.