Near at hand; within reach or handy; conveniently close to be used immediately.
メモ帳は手近に置いておくと便利だ。
It's handy to keep a notepad within reach.
工具は手近な場所にまとめておいてください。
Please keep the tools together in a nearby spot.
手近にある材料で料理を作った。
I cooked using ingredients that were on hand.
Familiar; something well known or close at hand in the sense of being familiar or readily available (somewhat old-fashioned).
子どもの頃の手近な思い出を語り合った。
We shared familiar memories from our childhood.
その題材は手近で扱いやすいので授業に向いている。
That topic is familiar and easy to handle, so it's suitable for lessons.