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
肉薄
にくはく (nikuhaku)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "close" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 閉めます and 肉薄.
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, 肉薄 (にくはく (nikuhaku)) maps to "to close in on, to press hard, to nearly catch up with" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Implies approaching someone/something very closely, often with a sense of pursuit, urgency, or intensity. Can be physical. 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 "肉薄"
彼はライバルに肉薄し、優勝争いを繰り広げた。
He pressed hard against his rival, engaging in a fierce competition for the championship.
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.". "肉薄" represents "to close in on, to press hard, to nearly catch up with".