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
閉まる
しまる (shimaru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "close" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 閉めます and 閉まる.
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, 閉まる (しまる (shimaru)) maps to "to close (intransitive)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Intransitive verb. Used when something closes by itself or is closed by an unspecified agent. For transitive 'to close. 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 "閉まる"
ドアが閉まります。
The door closes.
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.". "閉まる" represents "to close (intransitive)".