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
閉じる
とじる (tojiru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "close" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 閉める and 閉じる.
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, 閉じる (とじる (tojiru)) maps to "to close (transitive); to shut" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents 本や目、傘などを閉める際に使います。ドアや窓には「閉める」を使うことが多いですが、お店を閉めるなどの場合にも使われます。. 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 "閉じる"
私は疲れたので、目を閉じました。
I was tired, so I closed my eyes.
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.". "閉じる" represents "to close (transitive); to shut".