Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Close" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "close", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
閉じる
とじる (tojiru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
密着
みっちゃく (micchaku)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "close" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 閉じる and 密着.
In Japanese, 閉じる (とじる (tojiru)) is typically associated with "to close (transitive); to shut" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents 本や目、傘などを閉める際に使います。ドアや窓には「閉める」を使うことが多いですが、お店を閉めるなどの場合にも使われます。.
On the other hand, 密着 (みっちゃく (micchaku)) maps to "close contact; adhesion; sticking together; coverage/on-the-spot reporting" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to close physical contact, sticking together tightly, or on-the-spot coverage/detailed reporting. Often used as 密着取材. A literal translation of "close" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "閉じる"
私は疲れたので、目を閉じました。
I was tired, so I closed my eyes.
Bilingual Context for "密着"
このテープは接着力が極めて高く、ガラスの表面に_______して水漏れを完全に防ぎます。
This tape has extremely high adhesive strength, sticking tightly to the glass surface and completely preventing water leaks.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "私は疲れたので、目を閉じました。" (Meaning: "I was tired, so I closed my eyes.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "閉じる" fits here because it means "to close (transitive); to shut" in the context of: "I was tired, so I closed my eyes.". "密着" represents "close contact; adhesion; sticking together; coverage/on-the-spot reporting".