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Japanese dictionary

How to say "close" in Japanese

しめる · shimeru

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

JapaneseWhen to use it
しめる · shimeruTo close (something), like a door or window.
しまる · shimaruTo close (by itself); a store closes.
とじる · tojiruTo close (a book, your eyes, a file).
ちかい · chikaiClose; 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

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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