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
詰問
きつもん (kitsumon)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "close" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 閉じる and 詰問.
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, 詰問 (きつもん (kitsumon)) maps to "close questioning, interrogation, grilling (to press someone for answers)" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Imlpies persistent and often severe questioning, usually to ascertain facts, reveal truth, or criticize. Can be used in legal, journalistic, or personal contexts.. 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 "詰問"
彼は記者団からの詰問に終始無言だった。
He remained silent throughout the close questioning from the reporters.
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.". "詰問" represents "close questioning, interrogation, grilling (to press someone for answers)".