How to say "close" in Japanese
To "close" a door or window is 閉める (shimeru). When a store or door closes, use 閉まる (shimaru). "Close" meaning near is 近い (chikai).
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Ways to say "close" in Japanese
| Japanese | When to use it |
|---|---|
| 閉めるしめる · shimeru | To close (something), like a door or window. |
| 閉まるしまる · shimaru | To close (by itself); a store closes. |
| 閉じるとじる · tojiru | To close (a book, your eyes, a file). |
| 近いちかい · chikai | Close; near (distance). |
How to use it
Closing a book, your eyes or a computer file uses 閉じる (tojiru).
A store closing for the day is 閉店 (heiten).
Example sentences
- 窓を閉めてください。Mado o shimete kudasai.Please close the window.
- 銀行は三時に閉まります。Ginkō wa sanji ni shimarimasu.The bank closes at three.
- ファイルを閉じてから送ってください。Fairu o tojite kara okutte kudasai.Please close the file before sending it.
- 会社は駅から近いです。Kaisha wa eki kara chikai desu.The office is close to the station.
- ドアが閉まります。ご注意ください。Doa ga shimarimasu. Go-chūi kudasai.The doors are closing. Please be careful.
- 目を閉じてください。Me o tojite kudasai.Please close your eyes.
Questions
What is the difference between 閉める and 閉まる?
閉める (shimeru) takes an object: someone closes something, as in ドアを閉める. 閉まる (shimaru) is something closing, as in ドアが閉まる.
What does ドアが閉まります mean on a train?
It is the announcement "The doors are closing." Step back from the doors.
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