To come nearer; to draw close (in space or time).
電車が駅に近づくと、車内のアナウンスが流れた。
When the train approached the station, the announcement played inside.
暗くなってきたので、家に近づくのがわかる。
It's getting dark, so I can tell I'm getting close to home.
試験の日が近づくと、どうしても緊張する。
I inevitably get nervous as the exam day draws near.
To become acquainted with; to get closer to someone (emotionally or socially).
新しく来た同僚に近づいて、まず昼食に誘った。
I got closer to the new colleague and first invited them to lunch.
彼女に近づくには、まず信頼関係を築くことが大切だ。
To get close to her, it's important to build trust first.
その研究は新しい分野に近づく手がかりを与えた。
That research provided clues for approaching a new field.