Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Close" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "close", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
閉める
しめる (shimeru)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
密着
みっちゃく (micchaku)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "close" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 閉める and 密着.
In Japanese, 閉める (しめる (shimeru)) is typically associated with "to close (something)" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Transitive verb.
On the other hand, 密着 (みっちゃく (micchaku)) maps to "close contact; adhesion; sticking together; coverage/on-the-spot reporting" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to close physical contact, sticking together tightly, or on-the-spot coverage/detailed reporting. Often used as 密着取材. A literal translation of "close" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "閉める"
窓を閉めてください。
Please close the window.
Bilingual Context for "密着"
このテープは接着力が極めて高く、ガラスの表面に_______して水漏れを完全に防ぎます。
This tape has extremely high adhesive strength, sticking tightly to the glass surface and completely preventing water leaks.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "窓を閉めてください。" (Meaning: "Please close the window.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "閉める" fits here because it means "to close (something)" in the context of: "Please close the window.". "密着" represents "close contact; adhesion; sticking together; coverage/on-the-spot reporting".