Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Close" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "close", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
閉めます
しめます (shimemasu)
N5 / 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 閉めます and 精査.
In Japanese, 閉めます (しめます (shimemasu)) is typically associated with "to close" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Transitive verb. Used for closing doors, windows, books, shops, eyes, etc. The object is marked with を..
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 "閉めます"
ドアを閉めます。
I close the door.
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: "ドアを ＿＿＿ 。" (Meaning: "I close the door.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "閉めます" fits here because it means "to close" in the context of: "I close the door.". "精査" represents "close examination, careful investigation, scrutiny".