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
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 閉めます and 親しい.
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, 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 "閉めます"
ドアを閉めます。
I close the door.
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: "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.". "親しい" represents "close, intimate".