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
親しい
したしい (shitashii)
B1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "close" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 閉じる and 親しい.
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, 親しい (したしい (shitashii)) maps to "close, intimate" (Syllabus Level: B1) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR B1 vocabulary syllabus.. 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 "親しい"
これはとても親しいですね。
This is very close, intimate, isn't it?
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.". "親しい" represents "close, intimate".