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
精査
せいさ (seisa)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "close" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 閉じる and 精査.
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, 精査 (せいさ (seisa)) maps to "close examination, careful investigation, scrutiny" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to examining something very carefully and thoroughly, often to find errors or inconsistencies, or to confirm accuracy. Used in formal contexts like auditing, reviewing documents, or scientific analysis.. 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 "精査"
提出された書類を精査する。
We will carefully examine the submitted documents.
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.". "精査" represents "close examination, careful investigation, scrutiny".