閉めます (閉める)
It means to close something, like a door or a window.
Explanation at your level:
Hello! The word 閉めます (しめます) is a verb, and it means 'to close'. You use it when you want to say you are shutting something. For example, you can close a door: ドアを閉めます (do-a o shiemasu). Or you can close a window: 窓を閉めます (mado o shiemasu). It's a simple action word. When you close something, it's not open anymore. You can also close your eyes to sleep: 目を閉めます (me o shiemasu). It's a very useful word for talking about everyday things!
The Japanese verb 閉める (しめる) means 'to close'. It's used for many common actions. You might ドアを閉める (do-a o shimeru) - close the door, or 窓を閉める (mado o shimeru) - close the window. If you are a shop owner, you will 店を閉める (mise o shimeru) at the end of the day. You can also use it for personal actions like 目を閉める (me o shimeru) - to close your eyes. Remember, it's a transitive verb, so it usually takes the particle 'を' (o) before it, indicating what is being closed.
閉める (しめる) is a fundamental Japanese verb meaning 'to close'. Its usage extends beyond simple physical objects. You can 店を閉める (mise o shimeru), signifying the end of business hours for a shop. It's also used for personal actions like 目を閉める (me o shimeru) (to close one's eyes). The polite form is 閉めます (shiemasu), suitable for most conversations. Keep in mind common collocations like ドアを閉める (do-a o shimeru) and 窓を閉める (mado o shimeru). Understanding this verb is crucial for describing everyday activities and routines.
The verb 閉める (しめる) translates to 'to close' and is a versatile transitive verb. Its applications range from the concrete, such as ドアを閉める (do-a o shimeru) (close the door) and 窓を閉める (mado o shimeru) (close the window), to more abstract concepts like 店を閉める (mise o shimeru) (close a shop). It's important to distinguish it from the intransitive verb 閉まる (shimaru), which means 'to be closed' or 'to close automatically'. For example, ドアが閉まる (do-a ga shimaru) means 'the door closes (by itself)'. Mastering 閉める is key to nuanced descriptions of actions and transitions.
閉める (しめる), meaning 'to close', functions as a transitive verb with a broad semantic range. Beyond its literal application in shutting doors (ドアを閉める) or windows (窓を閉める), it can denote the cessation of business operations (店を閉める) or even personal actions like closing one's eyes (目を閉める). Context is crucial for discerning its precise meaning. Consider the idiomatic use of 口を閉める (kuchi o shimeru), meaning 'to keep quiet' or 'to hold one's tongue'. Understanding its grammatical behavior, particularly its transitivity and contrast with the intransitive 閉まる (shimaru), is vital for accurate and sophisticated expression.
The verb 閉める (しめる), denoting the act of closing, possesses a rich tapestry of usage, extending far beyond its common applications like shutting doors or windows. Its etymological roots suggest a deliberate act of sealing or obstructing. In modern Japanese, it signifies not only physical closure (e.g., 店を閉める - closing a shop) but also metaphorical closure, as seen in expressions like 口を閉める (to keep silent, implying a sealing of the lips). The verb's transitivity requires a direct object, often marked by 'を'. Contrast this with the intransitive 閉まる (shimaru), which describes the state of being closed or the automatic act of closing. Mastery involves recognizing its subtle idiomatic uses, understanding its historical semantic continuity, and appreciating its role in describing both tangible and intangible transitions.
Palabra en 30 segundos
- Verb meaning 'to close' (a door, window, shop, etc.).
- It's a transitive verb, requiring an object (e.g., ドアを閉める).
- Distinguish from the intransitive 閉まる (shimaru - to be closed) and the homophone 締める (shimeru - to tighten).
- Used in many everyday situations and some common idioms.
Hey there! Let's talk about the Japanese verb 閉める (しめる), often seen in its polite form 閉めます (しめます). This word is super common and basically means 'to close' something. Think about all the things you can close in a day: doors, windows, curtains, your eyes, a shop, a book, a bag... the list goes on!
It's a fundamental verb for describing the action of bringing something from an open state to a closed one. Understanding 閉める is key to talking about everyday actions and routines in Japanese. We'll explore its nuances, how it's used in different situations, and even some fun related expressions. So, get ready to dive into the world of closing things with 閉める!
The verb 閉める (しめる) has ancient roots in the Japanese language. Its kanji character 閉 itself is composed of two parts: 阜 (fù), which originally depicted a mound or hill, and 門 (mén), meaning 'gate'. Together, they evoke the idea of closing off an entrance or a passage, much like shutting a gate.
Historically, 閉める has been used for centuries to describe the act of shutting or blocking. Its meaning has remained remarkably consistent, evolving alongside the language itself. You can find variations of this verb in older Japanese texts, demonstrating its long-standing importance. The concept of 'closing' is universal, and 閉める is the go-to verb in Japanese for expressing this action, whether it's a physical closure or a more abstract ending.
閉める (しめる) is incredibly versatile! You'll use it constantly in daily life. The most common usage is with physical objects that open and close. For instance, ドアを閉める (do-a o shimeru) means 'to close the door', and 窓を閉める (mado o shimeru) means 'to close the window'.
Beyond doors and windows, you can 店を閉める (mise o shimeru), which means 'to close a shop' (at the end of the business day). You can also 目を閉める (me o shimeru), 'to close one's eyes'. When talking about bags, バッグを閉める (baggu o shimeru) means 'to close a bag'. It's also used for curtains: カーテンを閉める (ka-ten o shimeru). Remember, it's an transitive verb, meaning it takes a direct object, usually marked by the particle 'を' (o).
The formality level is important. 閉めます (shimeru) is the polite '-masu' form, suitable for most conversations. The plain form is 閉める (shimeru). When speaking very casually with close friends, you might even hear shortened or slang forms, but sticking to 閉める or 閉めます is always safe and widely understood.
While 閉める (しめる) is a straightforward verb, it appears in some interesting expressions. Let's explore a few:
- 口を閉める (kuchi o shimeru): Literally 'to close one's mouth'. This can mean to stop talking, to keep a secret, or to refrain from gossiping. Example: 約束したのだから、もう口を閉めなさい。(Yakusoku shita no dakara, mou kuchi o shimenasai.) - Since you promised, shut your mouth now.
- 腹を閉める (hara o shimeru): This idiom means to brace oneself, to prepare for something difficult, or to harden one's resolve. It implies a mental closure to avoid being swayed by emotion. Example: 厳しい状況だが、腹を閉めて乗り越えよう。(Kibishii joukyou da ga, hara o shimete norikoeyou.) - It's a tough situation, but let's brace ourselves and get through it.
- 目を閉じて (me o tojite): While 'me o shimeru' is to close eyes, 'me o tojite' (using a different verb, 閉じる - tojiru) often implies closing one's eyes in thought, prayer, or to imagine something. It's a subtle difference but common. Example: 目を閉じて、その時のことを思い出してください。(Me o tojite, sono toki no koto o omoidashite kudasai.) - Close your eyes and recall that moment.
- 門を閉める (mon o shimeru): Literally 'to close the gate'. This can refer to closing the entrance to a property, but metaphorically it can mean to cut off access or opportunity. Example: 一度機会を逃したら、もう門を閉められたようなものだ。(Ichido kikai o nogoshitara, mou mon o ramerareta you na mono da.) - Once you miss the chance, it's like the gate has been closed.
閉める (しめる) is a Group 2 verb (ichidan verb) in Japanese. This makes its conjugation quite regular and predictable. The polite form is 閉めます (shiemasu), and the plain form is 閉める (shimeru).
Conjugation Examples:
- Past tense: 閉めた (shimeta) - closed
- Negative: 閉めない (shimenai) - does not close
- Te-form: 閉めて (shimete) - closing (and...)
- Potential: 閉められる (shimerareru) - can close
- Volitional: 閉めよう (shimeyou) - let's close
Pronunciation:
The word is pronounced shi-me-ru. The 'shi' sound is like the 'she' in 'sheep'. The 'me' is like 'meh', and 'ru' is a light flap of the tongue, similar to the 'tt' in the American English pronunciation of 'butter'.
IPA (Japanese): /ɕimeɾɯ/
Rhyming words: While direct rhymes are less common due to Japanese syllable structure, words ending in '-eru' share a similar cadence, such as 食べる (taberu - to eat) or 見る (miru - to see), though the latter is Group 1.
Fun Fact
The character 閉 is composed of '阜' (hill/mound) and '門' (gate), visually representing the act of closing off an entrance or passage, like shutting a gate behind a hill.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'shi-MAY-roo', with the emphasis slightly on the second syllable.
Similar to UK, 'she-MAY-roo', with a quick 'r' sound.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing 'shi' too harshly.
- Making the 'u' sound at the end too strong.
- Confusing the rhythm with English words.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to read basic sentences, harder with idioms.
Easy for basic sentences, requires care for transitive/intransitive distinction.
Easy to pronounce, but distinguishing homophones needs practice.
Can be tricky to distinguish from 閉まる and 締める in fast speech.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Avanzado
Grammar to Know
Transitive vs. Intransitive Verbs
ドアを閉める (transitive) vs. ドアが閉まる (intransitive)
Te-form for Requests
〜てください
Verb Conjugation (Group 2)
Present, Past, Negative, Potential forms
Using Particles 'o' and 'ga'
Object marker 'o' with transitive verbs, subject marker 'ga' with intransitive verbs
Examples by Level
ドアを閉めます。
door + object particle + close (polite)
Use 'o' particle after the object.
窓を閉めますか？
window + object particle + close (polite) + question particle
'ka' at the end makes it a question.
はい、閉めます。
yes + close (polite)
Simple affirmative answer.
目を閉めます。
eyes + object particle + close (polite)
Used for closing eyes.
電気を消します。窓を閉めます。
electricity + object particle + turn off. window + object particle + close (polite)
Connecting two actions with a period.
お店を閉めます。
shop + object particle + close (polite)
'Mise' means shop.
本を閉めます。
book + object particle + close (polite)
Can close books too.
いいえ、閉めません。
no + close (polite, negative)
Negative polite form.
部屋に入るとき、ドアを閉めてください。
room + object particle + enter (when) + door + object particle + close (te-form) + please
Te-form + kudasai for polite request.
寒いから、窓を閉めましょう。
cold (because) + window + object particle + close (volitional, polite)
Volitional form 'mashou' suggests 'let's...'
彼は毎晩、お店を閉める準備をします。
he + every night + shop + object particle + close + preparation + does
Using the noun form '準備' (preparation).
寝る前に、電気を消して目を閉めます。
sleep (before) + electricity + object particle + turn off + eyes + object particle + close (te-form)
Connecting actions with the te-form.
この箱はちゃんと閉まりますか？
this + box + properly + close (potential form)
Potential form 'shimaru' (intransitive) is often used here.
会議が終わったので、部屋を閉めました。
meeting + ended (because) + room + object particle + close (past polite)
Past tense polite form 'shimemashita'.
カーテンを閉めたら、部屋が暗くなりました。
curtains + object particle + close (past plain) + if + room + subject particle + dark + became
Using past plain form 'shimeta' in a conditional clause.
忘れずに、鍵を閉めてくださいね。
forget (not) + key + object particle + close (te-form) + please + sentence ending particle
'Ne' adds a friendly reminder tone.
閉店時間なので、そろそろ店を閉めなければなりません。
closing time + because + soon + shop + object particle + close (must)
Nakaraba narimasen (must do).
強風で窓がガタガタ鳴っていたので、すぐに閉めました。
strong wind + by + window + subject particle + rattling + was (because) + immediately + close (past polite)
Using 'ga' with the intransitive verb 'naru' (to sound).
彼は秘密を守るために、口を閉めることにした。
he + secret + protect + in order to + mouth + object particle + close (decision)
Idiomatic use: 'kuchi o shimeru' (keep quiet).
子供が寝付くまで、部屋の電気を消してカーテンを閉めておく。
child + falls asleep + until + room + 's + electricity + turn off + curtains + object particle + close (and keep it that way)
Te-oku: do something in advance or keep it in a certain state.
この古い建物は、夜になると自動的に玄関のドアが閉まる仕組みになっている。
this + old + building + night + when it becomes + automatically + entrance + 's + door + subject particle + closes (state) + mechanism + has become
Contrast with intransitive 'shimaru'.
突然の雨に慌てて、傘を閉め、建物の中へ駆け込んだ。
sudden + rain + in + flustered + umbrella + object particle + close (te-form) + building + inside + into + rushed
Te-form connecting sequential actions.
彼は新しい事業を始めるにあたり、過去の失敗から目を閉ざすのではなく、教訓を得ようとした。
he + new + business + start + when doing + past + 's + failures + from + eyes + close (different verb, more metaphorical) + instead of + lesson + gain + tried
Using 閉ざす (tozasu) for a more metaphorical closing of eyes/opportunities.
この度はご迷惑をおかけしましたが、これで一件落着ということで、どうか門を閉じてください。
this time + trouble + caused + but + with this + matter + settled + as + please + gate + object particle + close (polite request)
Idiomatic: 'mon o tojiru' - to close the door on something, to conclude.
閉店間際、駆け込んできた客に「もう閉めます」と断るのに躊躇した。
closing time + just before + rushed in + customer + to + 'already + close (polite)' + to refuse + hesitated
Using polite form 'shiemasu' to refuse.
長年の懸案事項だったプロジェクトがようやく完了し、関係者は固唾を飲んでその門が閉まるのを待った。
many years + long-standing + issue + was + project + finally + completed + related parties + held their breath + its + gate + object particle + closes (state) + to wait
Metaphorical 'gate closing' signifying finality.
彼は感情的になるのを避けるため、しばしば腹を閉めて冷静に対応しようとする。
he + emotional + become + to avoid + often + belly + object particle + close (idiom) + calmly + deal with + try to
Idiom 'hara o shimeru' - to brace oneself.
子供が安心して眠れるよう、寝る前に部屋の明かりを落とし、カーテンを閉め切った。
child + feeling safe + can sleep + so that + sleep (before) + room + 's + light + lower + curtains + object particle + close completely
'Shimetsukeru' - to close completely.
かつては賑わっていた商店街も、大型ショッピングモールの進出により、多くの店がシャッターを閉めることになった。
formerly + bustling + shopping street + but + large scale + shopping mall + 's + advance + by + many + shops + shutters + object particle + close (state) + became
Using 'shatta- o shimeru' - to close shutters.
彼女は秘密を打ち明けられた際、口を閉ざすこともできたが、正直に話すことを選んだ。
she + secret + was confided + when + mouth + object particle + close (metaphorical) + could do + but + honestly + speak + chose
Contrast between 閉める (shimeru) and 閉ざす (tozasu).
その古い劇場は、再建されることなく、ついにその歴史に幕を閉じた。
that + old + theater + rebuilding + without + finally + its + history + curtain + object particle + close (idiomatic)
Idiomatic 'maku o tojiru' - to bring to a close.
彼は自分の感情を一切表に出さず、まるで鉄の扉を閉めたかのように、心を閉ざしていた。
he + his + emotions + all + out + not show + as if + iron + door + object particle + closed + as + heart + object particle + closed
Metaphorical use of closing doors/hearts.
その作家は、登場人物の内面を深く掘り下げるため、しばしば比喩的な表現を用いて「心の扉を閉める」という心理状態を描写する。
that + author + protagonist + inner self + deeply + delve into + in order to + often + metaphorical + expressions + use + 'heart + 's + door + object particle + close + ' + psychological + state + describe
Figurative language: 'kokoro no tobira o shimeru'.
グローバル化が進む一方で、国内産業の保護という名目で、外国からの投資に対して門戸を閉める動きも見られる。
globalization + progresses + on one hand + domestic + industry + protection + as a pretext + foreign + from + investment + towards + gate + object particle + close + movement + is seen
Metaphorical 'mon o shimeru' in policy context.
彼は感情の起伏が激しいタイプだったが、ある経験を経て、感情の波を抑え、腹を閉めて物事に対応できるようになった。
he + emotional + ups and downs + intense + type + was + but + certain + experience + through + emotion + 's + waves + suppress + belly + object particle + close (idiom) + deal with + became able to
Idiom 'hara o shimeru' used for emotional control.
長引く不況の影響で、多くの老舗が暖簾を閉め、その歴史に静かに終止符を打った。
long-lasting + recession + 's + effect + by + many + long-established shops + noren (shop curtain) + object particle + close + its + history + quietly + end + struck
Metaphorical 'noren o shimeru' - closing down a business.
その政治家は、国民の批判から逃れるように、公の場での発言を極端に制限し、事実上、口を閉ざした。
that + politician + public + place + at + speech + extremely + limit + and + in effect + mouth + object particle + closed
Figurative 'kuchi o tozasu' - to refuse to speak.
彼は、過去のトラウマから逃避するために、意識的に記憶の扉を閉め、その出来事を封印しようとした。
he + past + trauma + from + escape + in order to + consciously + memory + 's + door + object particle + close + that + event + seal up + tried
Psychological metaphor: 'kioku no tobira o shimeru'.
その芸術家は、社会的なメッセージを発信することをやめ、自身の内面世界に閉じこもることで、ある種の表現の幕を閉じた。
that + artist + social + message + transmit + to stop + own + inner world + into + shut oneself in + by + a certain + kind + expression + 's + curtain + object particle + closed
Idiomatic 'maku o tojiru' used for ending a phase of expression.
彼は、自身の過ちを認めようとせず、頑なに自己正当化の壁を閉め続けた。
he + his + mistakes + admit + to try + not + stubbornly + self-justification + 's + wall + object particle + continued to close
Metaphorical 'kabe o shimeru' - to build walls of self-justification.
その劇作家は、登場人物の心理的閉塞感を表現するために、しばしば「内なる扉を閉める」という比喩を用い、観客に深い共感を促した。
that + playwright + protagonist + psychological + sense of blockage + to express + in order to + often + 'inner + 's + door + object particle + close + ' + metaphor + used + audience + to + deep + empathy + encouraged
Literary use of 'uchinaru tobira o shimeru' for psychological states.
経済制裁という名の鎖国政策は、事実上、国際社会との門戸を閉ざし、国内経済に深刻な影響を及ぼした。
economic sanctions + as the name of + isolationist policy + in effect + international society + with + gate + object particle + closed + domestic economy + on + serious + impact + exerted
Historical/political context of 'mon o tojiru'.
彼は幼少期の過酷な経験から自己防衛のために感情の鎧をまとい、心の扉を固く閉め、他者との間に不可侵の領域を築いた。
he + childhood + harsh + experiences + from + self-defense + for + emotion + 's + armor + wore + heart + 's + door + firmly + closed + others + with + between + inviolable + territory + built
Complex metaphor combining 'yoroi o matoi' and 'kokoro no tobira o shimeru'.
その老舗料亭は、伝統の継承者を育成できず、ついに暖簾を閉め、その長い歴史に幕を下ろすことになった。
that + long-established Japanese restaurant + tradition + 's + successor + cultivate + could not + finally + noren (shop curtain) + object particle + close + its + long + history + curtain + object particle + bring down
Nuanced use of 'noren o shimeru' signifying the end of a legacy.
彼は、自身のキャリアにおける重大な岐路において、安易な道を選ぶのではなく、あえて困難な道を選択し、自己成長のための扉を閉めなかった。
he + his + career + in + important + crossroads + at + easy + path + choose + instead of + deliberately + difficult + path + chose + self-growth + for + door + object particle + did not close
Positive connotation of 'not closing the door' to opportunity/growth.
その芸術家は、商業主義に迎合することを拒み、自身の芸術的探求の道を閉ざすことなく、独自の表現を追求し続けた。
that + artist + commercialism + to pander + to + refused + own + artistic + exploration + 's + path + object particle + closed + without + unique + expression + continued to pursue
Distinguishing between 閉ざす (tozasu) and 閉める (shimeru) in artistic context.
彼は、過去の失敗から目を背けることなく、むしろそれを糧として、未来への歩みを止めず、新たな挑戦への扉を開け放った。
he + past + failures + from + eyes + turn away + without + rather + it + as sustenance + future + towards + steps + not stop + new + challenges + towards + door + threw open
Contrast with closing doors: 'tobira o hiraketa' (opened the door).
その政党は、国民との対話を拒否し、政策決定プロセスから一般市民の意見を排除することで、事実上、民主主義の門を閉ざしたと言えるだろう。
that + political party + citizens + with + dialogue + refused + policy making + process + from + general public + 's + opinions + by excluding + in effect + democracy + 's + gate + object particle + closed + it can be said
Strong political metaphor: 'minshu-shugi no mon o tojita'.
Colocaciones comunes
Idioms & Expressions
"口を閉める (kuchi o shimeru)"
To keep quiet, to hold one's tongue, to refrain from speaking.
秘密を漏らさないように、口を閉めなさい。
casual/neutral"腹を閉める (hara o shimeru)"
To brace oneself, to harden one's resolve, to prepare for hardship.
厳しい試練が待っているだろうが、腹を閉めて立ち向かうしかない。
neutral/formal"目を閉じる (me o tojiru)"
To close one's eyes (often used for contemplation, prayer, or imagination; uses 閉じる instead of 閉める)
目を閉じて、静かに祈りを捧げた。
neutral"門を閉める (mon o shimeru)"
To close a gate; metaphorically, to shut off access or opportunity.
一度チャンスを逃すと、もう門を閉められたも同然だ。
neutral/formal"幕を閉じる (maku o tojiru)"
To bring something to a close; to end an act or a period (uses 閉じる)
長い歴史を持つその会社は、ついにその幕を閉じた。
formal/literary"シャッターを閉める (shattā o shimeru)"
To close the shutters of a shop.
閉店時間になったので、シャッターを閉めました。
neutralEasily Confused
Both verbs relate to closing and sound similar (homophones).
閉まる is intransitive (the door closes by itself). 閉める is transitive (someone closes the door). Example: ドアが閉まる (The door closes). ドアを閉める (I close the door).
窓が閉まった。(Mado ga shimatta.) - The window closed. / 窓を閉めた。(Mado o shimeta.) - I closed the window.
Identical pronunciation (homophone).
閉める means 'to close' (a door, shop). 締める means 'to tighten' or 'to fasten' (a belt, a screw, a knot). Example: ベルトを締める (Beruto o shimeru) - to tighten a belt.
ズボンを締める (Zubon o shimeru) - to tighten trousers. / 店を閉める (Mise o shimeru) - to close a shop.
Similar meaning ('to close') and related kanji.
閉じる is often used for books, eyes, curtains, notebooks, or accounts. It can feel more delicate or final than 閉める. 閉める is more general for doors, windows, shops.
本を閉じる (Hon o tojiru) - to close a book. / ドアを閉める (Doa o shimeru) - to close a door.
Both can mean 'to block' or 'close off'.
塞ぐ often implies blocking an opening completely or preventing passage (e.g., blocking a hole, blocking a road). It can also mean to feel depressed. 閉める is more about the action of shutting.
穴を塞ぐ (Ana o fusagu) - to block a hole. / 窓を閉める (Mado o shimeru) - to close a window.
Sentence Patterns
Noun + を + 閉める
私はドアを閉めます。
Noun + が + 閉まる
ドアが閉まります。
〜て + 閉める
窓を閉めて、部屋に入りました。
〜ない + 閉める
電気を消さないで、窓を閉めないでください。
Idiom + を + 閉める
秘密を知っているなら、口を閉めなさい。
Familia de palabras
Nouns
Verbs
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How to Use It
Formality Scale
Errores comunes
閉める (shimeru) is transitive (requires an object: 'I close the door'). 閉まる (shimaru) is intransitive (the door closes by itself: 'The door closed').
These are homophones but have different kanji and meanings. 閉める is 'to close', 締める is 'to tighten' or 'to fasten'.
In polite conversation or with strangers, use the -masu form (閉めます - shiemasu) instead of the plain form (閉める - shimeru).
Since 閉める is transitive, it needs an object marked by 'o'. Saying 'Mado shiemasu' is grammatically incorrect.
While 閉める can sometimes be used for books, 閉じる is often preferred for closing books, eyes, or curtains, carrying a slightly more delicate nuance.
Tips
Sound Association
Link 'shimeru' to the sound of a door 'slamming shut' - 'shh-merrrr!' Or imagine 'shimmering' lights closing down a store.
Transitive vs. Intransitive
Always remember 閉める needs an object (what are you closing?). Use 'o' particle. For things closing by themselves, use 閉まる (shimaru) with 'ga'.
Shop Closing Times
In Japan, knowing when shops close (閉店時間 - heiten jikan) is practical. Saying '店を閉めます' is a common announcement.
Te-Form for Requests
Use the te-form + ください for polite requests: 「ドアを閉めてください」(Doa o shimete kudasai) - Please close the door.
Light 'R' Sound
The 'ru' at the end of 'shimeru' is not a hard 'r'. It's a light flap, similar to the 'tt' in 'butter' in American English. Practice saying 'shi-me-ryoo'.
Don't Mix 閉める and 締める
Remember: 閉める = close (door), 締める = tighten (belt). They sound the same but mean different things!
Kanji Clues
The kanji 閉 visually suggests closing a gate (門) on a hill (阜), giving a sense of blocking an entrance.
Act It Out!
Physically perform the action of closing things and say the Japanese word out loud. This kinesthetic learning helps cement the verb.
Polite vs. Plain
Use 閉めます (shiemasu) in most situations unless you're very close to the person. The plain form 閉める (shimeru) is for friends and family.
Potential Form
The potential form is 閉められる (shimerareru), meaning 'can close'. Example: 「この窓は一人で閉められますか？」 (Can this window be closed by one person?)
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine 'shimmering' lights closing down a shop for the night. 'Shi-meru' sounds a bit like 'shimmer'.
Visual Association
Picture a heavy wooden gate being shut firmly.
Word Web
Desafío
Try closing different objects around you and saying the Japanese word: 'Doa o shimeru', 'Hon o shimeru', 'Me o shimeru'.
Origen de la palabra
Sino-Japanese (derived from Chinese characters)
Original meaning: The character 閉 originally depicted a mound (阜) and a gate (門), signifying the blocking or closing of an entrance.
Contexto cultural
No major cultural sensitivities associated with this word itself, but context matters (e.g., abruptly closing a shop can be rude).
The concept of closing is universal, but specific contexts like 'closing time' for shops are culturally significant.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At home
- ドアを閉めてください。
- 窓を閉めてもいいですか？
- カーテンを閉めましょう。
At a shop/business
- もうすぐ閉店です。
- 今日はもう店を閉めます。
- シャッターを閉めてください。
Travel/Outdoors
- 車のドアを閉めてください。
- 雨が降ってきたので、窓を閉めました。
- 公園はもう閉まりますか？
Personal actions
- 寝る前に目を閉めます。
- 本を閉じてください。
- 口を閉めなさい！
Conversation Starters
"「すみません、窓を閉めてもいいですか？」 (Excuse me, may I close the window?)"
"「もうお店を閉める時間ですか？」 (Is it time to close the shop already?)"
"「寝る前に電気を消して、目を閉めましょう。」 (Before sleeping, let's turn off the lights and close our eyes.)"
"「このドア、ちゃんと閉まりますか？」 (Does this door close properly?)"
"「秘密を知ってしまったのですが、どうやって口を閉めればいいですか？」 (I found out a secret, how should I keep quiet?)"
Journal Prompts
Describe your daily routine, including things you close (doors, windows, eyes).
Write about a time you had to 'close the door' on an opportunity or relationship.
Reflect on the feeling of closing your eyes and relaxing before sleep.
Describe a shop you know well and when it closes each day.
Preguntas frecuentes
8 preguntas閉める (shimeru) is a transitive verb, meaning someone actively closes something (e.g., I close the door). It takes an object marked by 'o'. 閉まる (shimaru) is intransitive, meaning something closes by itself or is in a closed state (e.g., The door closed). It usually takes the subject particle 'ga'.
Yes, it can, but 閉じる (tojiru) is often preferred for books, eyes, or curtains, as it can imply a gentler or more deliberate closure.
This is the volitional form of the polite verb 閉めます. It means 'Let's close (something).' For example, '窓を閉めましょう' (Mado o shimemashou) means 'Let's close the window.'
No, 閉める is a very common and fundamental verb. The main point to remember is its transitivity (it needs an object) and to distinguish it from the intransitive 閉まる.
They are homophones (sound the same) but have different kanji and meanings. 閉める means 'to close' (a door, shop, etc.). 締める means 'to tighten' (a belt, a screw) or 'to fasten'.
You say 「店を閉める」(mise o shimeru). The polite form is 「店を閉めます」(mise o shiemasu).
Yes, it can be used metaphorically, often in idioms like 「口を閉める」(kuchi o shimeru - to keep quiet) or 「腹を閉める」(hara o shimeru - to brace oneself).
The polite past tense is 閉めました (shimemashita). The plain past tense is 閉めた (shimeta).
Ponte a prueba
部屋を出るとき、ドアを＿＿＿＿＿ください。
The sentence asks to 'please ___ the door when leaving the room'. 'Shimete' (closing) is the correct verb.
What does 「店を閉める」 mean?
店 (mise) means shop, and 閉める (shimeru) means to close. So, it means 'to close a shop'.
「目を閉める」 means to open your eyes.
目 (me) means eyes, and 閉める (shimeru) means to close. So, 「目を閉める」 means 'to close your eyes'.
Word
Significado
This exercise helps connect the vocabulary items.
The correct sentence is '窓を閉めてください' (Mado o shimete kudasai) - Please close the window.
寒いので、＿＿＿＿＿を閉めました。
The sentence means 'Because it's cold, I closed the ___'. A window (窓) is the most logical thing to close when it's cold.
Which verb is the best fit for 'closing a book'?
While 閉める can sometimes be used, 閉じる (tojiru) is often preferred for closing books, eyes, or curtains.
彼は秘密を守るために、＿＿＿＿＿を閉めた。
This refers to the idiom 'kuchi o shimeru', meaning 'to keep quiet' or 'hold one's tongue'.
「ドアを閉める」 and 「ドアが閉まる」 mean the same thing.
'ドアを閉める' (doa o shimeru) is transitive (someone closes the door). 'ドアが閉まる' (doa ga shimaru) is intransitive (the door closes by itself).
The correct sentence is 'その歴史に幕を閉じた' (Sono rekishi ni maku o tojita) - It brought its history to a close (using the idiom 'maku o tojiru').
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Summary
Mastering 閉める (shimeru) is essential for describing everyday actions of shutting things, but always remember its transitive nature and differentiate it from similar-sounding verbs.
- Verb meaning 'to close' (a door, window, shop, etc.).
- It's a transitive verb, requiring an object (e.g., ドアを閉める).
- Distinguish from the intransitive 閉まる (shimaru - to be closed) and the homophone 締める (shimeru - to tighten).
- Used in many everyday situations and some common idioms.
Sound Association
Link 'shimeru' to the sound of a door 'slamming shut' - 'shh-merrrr!' Or imagine 'shimmering' lights closing down a store.
Transitive vs. Intransitive
Always remember 閉める needs an object (what are you closing?). Use 'o' particle. For things closing by themselves, use 閉まる (shimaru) with 'ga'.
Shop Closing Times
In Japan, knowing when shops close (閉店時間 - heiten jikan) is practical. Saying '店を閉めます' is a common announcement.
Te-Form for Requests
Use the te-form + ください for polite requests: 「ドアを閉めてください」(Doa o shimete kudasai) - Please close the door.
Ejemplo
窓を閉めます。
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