Esta página en tu idioma

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A2 verb #1,100 más común 11 min de lectura

しめる

shimeru Top 1,100

At the A1 level, the word しめる (shimeru) is introduced as a basic action verb essential for classroom and daily survival. You learn it primarily in the context of following instructions or making simple requests. The focus is entirely on the physical act of closing common objects like doors (ドア - doa) and windows (窓 - mado). You will learn the polite form 閉めます (shimemasu) and the request form 閉めてください (shimete kudasai). Teachers will frequently say 'ドアを閉めてください' (Please close the door) to manage the classroom environment. At this stage, the grammatical focus is simply on pairing the object with the particle を (wo) and the verb. You do not need to worry about the complex nuances or the intransitive counterpart yet. The goal is simply to associate the sound 'shimeru' with the physical action of shutting a barrier. You might also learn to say '窓を閉めましょうか？' (Shall I close the window?) as a basic polite offer. Mastery at A1 means you can successfully understand and execute a command to close something in your immediate physical environment, which is a critical first step in interactive communication.

At the A2 level, your understanding of しめる expands significantly as you are introduced to the concept of transitive and intransitive verb pairs. This is a major milestone in Japanese grammar. You learn that しめる is the transitive verb (an action you do to an object), and it pairs with しまる (shimaru), the intransitive verb (an action that happens automatically or without a specified agent). You must now consciously choose between 'ドアを閉める' (I close the door) and 'ドアが閉まる' (The door closes). You also begin to use しめる in more complex sentence structures, such as giving reasons: '寒いから窓を閉めて' (Close the window because it is cold), or expressing sequence: 'ドアを閉めてから座ってください' (Please sit down after closing the door). Additionally, you learn to apply しめる to a wider variety of vocabulary, such as closing a lid (ふたを閉める) or locking a lock (鍵を閉める). The focus at A2 is on grammatical accuracy, specifically the correct use of particles (を vs が) and understanding that しめる requires a subject who is actively performing the closing action.

At the B1 level, the usage of しめる becomes more nuanced and abstract. You move beyond simple physical doors and windows and start encountering the word in broader contexts. For example, you learn the phrase '店を閉める' (mise wo shimeru), which means to close a shop for the day, or potentially to go out of business. You also learn to differentiate しめる from similar verbs like とじる (tojiru - to close books/eyes). A B1 learner knows not to say '本を閉める' but rather '本を閉じる'. Furthermore, you encounter different kanji for the same reading, such as 締める (to fasten a tie/belt) and 絞める (to strangle/wring). You begin to understand that while the pronunciation is the same, the kanji dictates the specific type of closing or restricting action. You also start using adverbs to modify the action, such as 'しっかり閉める' (to close tightly) or 'そっと閉める' (to close gently). Mastery at B1 involves choosing the right verb for the right object and understanding the broader social and practical applications of the word in daily Japanese life.

At the B2 level, your grasp of しめる includes idiomatic expressions and advanced compound verbs. You are comfortable with the metaphorical uses of the word. For instance, you understand phrases like '気を引き締める' (ki wo hikishimeru - to brace oneself / to focus one's mind), which uses a compound form of the verb. You also encounter the verb in passive and causative forms more frequently in reading and listening, such as 'ドアを閉められる' (to have the door closed on you) or '子供に窓を閉めさせる' (to make the child close the window). At this stage, you are fully aware of the subtle differences between '鍵を閉める' and '鍵をかける', knowing they are largely interchangeable but might have slight regional or personal preferences. You can read and write the various kanji (閉める, 締める, 絞める) accurately and understand their distinct etymological roots. B2 learners can effortlessly navigate conversations about business closures, security measures, and emotional states using the appropriate variations and compounds of しめる.

At the C1 level, しめる is understood deeply within its cultural and literary contexts. You encounter it in complex texts, news articles, and formal speeches. You understand advanced idioms such as '締めくくる' (shimekukuru - to bring to a conclusion / to wrap up), which is used to describe ending a speech or an event gracefully. You are familiar with the financial use of the word, such as '締め切り' (shimekiri - deadline), derived from the verb, and understand how it relates to the concept of closing a ledger or a period of time. You can discuss the nuances of a business 'closing its doors' using sophisticated vocabulary, understanding when to use '店を閉める' versus more formal terms like '閉鎖する' (heisa suru) or '廃業する' (haigyou suru). At this level, the physical act of closing a door is trivial; your focus is on how the concept of 'closing' or 'fastening' is woven into the fabric of Japanese expressions regarding time, business, and mental states. You can appreciate the poetic use of the word in literature, where closing a physical object might symbolize the end of an era or a relationship.

At the C2 level, your mastery of しめる is indistinguishable from an educated native speaker. You possess a comprehensive understanding of its etymology and historical usage. You can intuitively grasp and employ the most obscure idioms and compound verbs involving しめる. You understand the subtle phonetic and psychological impact of using the native Japanese word (和語 - wago) 'しめる' versus a Sino-Japanese equivalent (漢語 - kango) in various rhetorical contexts. You can debate the sociolinguistic implications of phrases like '首を絞める' (to strangle) when used metaphorically to describe economic self-sabotage (自分で自分の首を絞める). Your command of the language allows you to play with the word, perhaps using it in creative writing or persuasive speaking to evoke specific imagery of closure, restriction, or finality. You are perfectly attuned to the rhythm and flow of sentences containing しめる, knowing exactly when to omit particles or subjects for stylistic effect. At C2, しめる is not just a vocabulary word; it is a versatile tool in your extensive linguistic arsenal, used with precision and elegance.

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

しめる en 30 segundos

Action of closing doors/windows.
Requires an object and particle を.
Transitive counterpart to 閉まる.
Can mean closing a business.

The Japanese verb しめる (shimeru), most commonly written with the kanji 閉める, is a fundamental vocabulary word that every learner encounters early in their journey. At its core, it means 'to close' or 'to shut'. It is a transitive verb, which means it requires a direct object. You use it when a person or an active agent is performing the action of closing something, such as a door, a window, a lid, or a book. Understanding the transitive nature of this verb is absolutely crucial because Japanese makes a strict grammatical distinction between someone closing a door (transitive: しめる) and a door closing by itself (intransitive: しまる). When you use しめる, you must mark the object being closed with the particle を (wo). For example, ドアをしめる (doa wo shimeru) means 'to close the door'. This word is used in countless everyday situations, from asking someone to shut a window because it is cold, to instructing a child to close their textbook. It is a Group 2 (Ichidan) verb, making its conjugation highly regular and predictable, which is a relief for beginners. Beyond physical objects, しめる can also be used in slightly more abstract contexts, though other kanji might be employed depending on the exact nuance. However, in spoken Japanese, the pronunciation remains the same, and the core concept of bringing something to a closed, fastened, or completed state is retained. Let us explore the various dimensions of this essential verb through practical examples and detailed breakdowns.

Transitive Nature: The verb しめる is strictly transitive. It requires an active subject performing the action upon an object, marked by the particle を. This is a fundamental concept in Japanese grammar that distinguishes it from its intransitive counterpart しまる.
Kanji Variations: While 閉める is used for doors and windows, 締める is used for fastening ties or belts, and 絞める is used for wringing or strangling. All share the reading しめる and the broad concept of restricting or closing.
Conjugation Group: As an Ichidan (Group 2) verb, it conjugates simply by dropping the final 'ru' and adding the appropriate suffix, such as 'masu' for polite form, making it very accessible for A1 and A2 learners.

寒いから窓をしめる。

Because it is cold, I will close the window.

出かける前に鍵をしめる。

I will lock (close) the door before going out.

本をしめてください。

Please close your books.

店をしめる時間です。

It is time to close the shop.

引き出しをしめるのを忘れた。

I forgot to close the drawer.

Mastering this word early on provides a strong foundation for understanding the broader transitive/intransitive pairs in Japanese, which is a concept that persists all the way to advanced fluency. The physical act of closing is universal, making this word highly frequent in daily conversation, literature, and media.

Using しめる in sentences is straightforward once you grasp its basic grammatical requirements. Because it is a transitive verb, the most common sentence structure you will build is [Noun] + を (wo) + しめる. For example, 窓を閉める (mado wo shimeru) means 'to close the window'. When you want to be polite, you conjugate it to its masu-form: 閉めます (shimemasu). If you are making a request, which is incredibly common with this verb, you will use the te-form combined with kudasai: 閉めてください (shimete kudasai), meaning 'please close'. You will often hear this in classrooms, offices, or at home. Another frequent pattern involves expressing intention or future action, such as ドアを閉めるつもりです (doa wo shimeru tsumori desu), meaning 'I intend to close the door'. In negative contexts, you use 閉めない (shimenai) or 閉めません (shimemasen). For instance, 暑いから窓を閉めないでください (atsui kara mado wo shimenaide kudasai) translates to 'Because it is hot, please do not close the window'. The verb can also be modified by adverbs to describe how something is closed. 静かにドアを閉める (shizuka ni doa wo shimeru) means 'to close the door quietly', while しっかり閉める (shikkari shimeru) means 'to close tightly' or 'to shut securely'. This versatility allows you to express a wide range of nuances simply by adding descriptive words before the verb. Furthermore, しめる can be combined with other verbs to create compound meanings, though this is more advanced. For now, focusing on the core [Object] を [しめる] pattern will serve you well in almost all everyday situations. Let us look at some structural breakdowns to solidify this knowledge.

Basic Statement: [Object] をしめる。 Example: カーテンをしめる。 (I close the curtain.) This is the most direct and common way to state the action.
Polite Request: [Object] をしめてください。 Example: ドアをしめてください。 (Please close the door.) Essential for daily interactions and showing respect.
Negative Command: [Object] をしめないでください。 Example: 窓をしめないでください。 (Please do not close the window.) Used when you want something to remain open.

静かにドアをしめてください。

Please close the door quietly.

瓶のふたをしっかりしめる。

I close the lid of the jar tightly.

店をしめる準備をする。

I make preparations to close the shop.

雨が降ってきたので窓をしめました。

Because it started raining, I closed the window.

後ろのドアをしめなさい。

Close the back door. (Command)

By practicing these patterns, you will naturally internalize the rhythm of Japanese sentences involving transitive verbs. Remember that the subject (who is closing the object) is often omitted in Japanese if it is clear from the context, which is why you will frequently see sentences starting directly with the object.

You will hear the word しめる (shimeru) constantly in Japan, as it is deeply embedded in the daily routines of life, commerce, and transportation. One of the most iconic places you will hear a variation of this word is on the Japanese train system. When the train doors are about to close, the automated announcement will say 'ドアが閉まります' (doa ga shimarimasu - the doors are closing). Notice that this uses the intransitive form, but the station attendant might say 'ドアを閉めます' (doa wo shimemasu - I am closing the doors) over the loudspeaker. In a domestic setting, parents frequently use this word with their children: '冷蔵庫をちゃんと閉めて！' (reizouko wo chanto shimete! - Close the refrigerator properly!). In offices, it is common courtesy to ask, '窓を閉めてもいいですか？' (mado wo shimete mo ii desu ka? - May I close the window?) when the air conditioning is too strong. Retail environments also heavily utilize this concept. When a store is ending its business hours, the staff might say '店を閉める' (mise wo shimeru - to close the shop). Interestingly, this phrase can mean both closing for the day and permanently going out of business, depending entirely on the context. You will also encounter it in instructional settings, such as a teacher telling students to close their textbooks: '教科書を閉じてください' (kyoukasho wo tojite kudasai). Wait, notice the use of 'tojiru' here instead of 'shimeru'. While 'shimeru' is used for doors and windows, 'tojiru' is preferred for books and eyes. This distinction is crucial for sounding natural. Let us examine some specific contexts where しめる is the star.

Public Transportation: Train conductors use it to announce the manual closing of doors, ensuring passenger safety before departure.
Household Chores: Used daily when referring to closing cabinets, refrigerators, windows, and the front door to secure the house.
Retail and Business: Used to describe the action of closing a store at the end of the day or permanently shutting down a business operation.

まもなくドアをしめます。ご注意ください。

We will be closing the doors shortly. Please be careful.

エアコンをつけるから窓をしめて。

I'm turning on the AC, so close the window.

今日は早く店をしめる予定です。

We plan to close the shop early today.

金庫をしっかりしめたか確認して。

Check if you closed the safe securely.

チャックを上までしめなさい。

Zip up (close) your zipper all the way to the top.

Immersing yourself in these everyday scenarios will help you intuitively understand when to use しめる. It is a word that bridges the gap between simple physical actions and broader social interactions in Japanese society.

One of the most frequent hurdles for learners of Japanese is mastering the distinction between transitive and intransitive verbs, and しめる is often ground zero for this struggle. The most common mistake is using the intransitive verb しまる (shimaru) when you mean to say that YOU are closing something. For example, saying ドアをしまる (doa wo shimaru) is grammatically incorrect because しまる cannot take the direct object particle を. The correct phrase is ドアをしめる (doa wo shimeru). Conversely, saying ドアがしめる (doa ga shimeru) is also incorrect if you mean 'the door closes by itself', because しめる requires an active agent. The correct phrase there is ドアがしまる (doa ga shimaru). Another prevalent error is using しめる for objects that require a different verb for 'closing'. For instance, English speakers often try to say 本をしめる (hon wo shimeru) to mean 'close the book'. While understandable, the natural Japanese expression is 本をとじる (hon wo tojiru). Similarly, you do not 'shimeru' your eyes; you 'tojiru' them (目を閉じる - me wo tojiru). Furthermore, learners sometimes confuse the different kanji for しめる. While 閉める is for doors and windows, 締める is for tying a necktie (ネクタイを締める) or fastening a seatbelt (シートベルトを締める). Using the wrong kanji in writing can change the nuance entirely, even if the pronunciation is identical. Let us break down these common pitfalls to ensure you use the word flawlessly.

Transitive vs Intransitive Mix-up: Using 'ga shimeru' or 'wo shimaru' is a classic mistake. Always pair 'wo' with 'shimeru' (active closing) and 'ga' with 'shimaru' (automatic closing).
Wrong Verb for Books/Eyes: Applying 'shimeru' to books, eyes, or umbrellas is unnatural. Use 'tojiru' (閉じる) for things that fold shut or close like a book.
Kanji Confusion: Writing 閉める (to shut a door) when you mean 締める (to fasten a belt) is a common writing error that native speakers will immediately notice.

❌ ドアがしめる。 ➔ ⭕ ドアをしめる。

Correction: Use 'wo' with shimeru when you are the one closing the door.

❌ 本をしめる。 ➔ ⭕ 本をとじる。

Correction: Books are 'tojiru', not 'shimeru'.

❌ 目をしめる。 ➔ ⭕ 目をとじる。

Correction: Eyes are also 'tojiru'.

❌ シートベルトを閉める。 ➔ ⭕ シートベルトを締める。

Correction: Use the kanji for fastening (締) for belts, not shutting (閉).

❌ ドアをしまる。 ➔ ⭕ ドアがしまる。

Correction: If the door closes by itself, use 'ga' and the intransitive 'shimaru'.

By being aware of these common mistakes, you can significantly improve the naturalness of your Japanese. The distinction between 'shimeru' and 'tojiru' is a particularly great way to sound more like a native speaker.

The Japanese language is rich in vocabulary that describes the act of closing, sealing, or finishing, and understanding the alternatives to しめる will greatly expand your expressive capabilities. The most direct alternative, as previously discussed, is とじる (閉じる - tojiru). While しめる is used for sliding or swinging barriers like doors and windows, とじる is used for things that fold together or collapse into a closed state. This includes books (本をとじる), eyes (目をとじる), and umbrellas (傘をとじる). Another related word is ふさぐ (塞ぐ - fusagu), which means to block, plug, or cover up an opening. You would use ふさぐ when covering your ears (耳をふさぐ) or filling a hole in the wall (穴をふさぐ). It carries a stronger nuance of completely sealing off a passage rather than just shutting a functional door. For ending or closing a meeting or event, you would use おわる (終わる - owaru) or the more formal とじる (閉会する - heikai suru - to close a meeting). When referring to locking a door, while you can say 鍵をしめる (kagi wo shimeru), you can also use the specific verb かける (鍵をかける - kagi wo kakeru), which is equally common. In business contexts, instead of saying 店をしめる (mise wo shimeru) to mean going out of business, one might use the idiom 店をたたむ (mise wo tatamu), which literally means 'to fold up the shop', evoking the image of packing away a traditional market stall. Let us compare these words to clarify their specific use cases.

とじる (閉じる): Used for folding things shut. Examples: Books, eyes, laptops, umbrellas. It implies bringing two sides together.
ふさぐ (塞ぐ): Used for blocking or plugging a hole or passage. Examples: Covering ears, filling a pothole, blocking a road.
かける (掛ける): Used specifically with locks (鍵をかける). It means to engage the locking mechanism, whereas しめる can just mean shutting the door without locking it.

パソコンをとじる。

I close the laptop. (Using tojiru because it folds)

うるさいので耳をふさいだ。

It was noisy, so I covered (plugged) my ears.

ドアに鍵をかける。

I lock the door. (Focusing on the lock itself)

長年続いた店をたたむ。

To close down a shop that has continued for many years.

会議を終了する。

To close (end) the meeting.

Learning these subtle distinctions will elevate your Japanese from functional to natural. It shows a deep understanding of how Japanese categorizes physical actions based on the shape and movement of the objects involved.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"窓を閉めていただけますでしょうか。"

Neutral

"窓を閉めてください。"

Informal

"窓閉めて。"

Child friendly

"お外が寒いから、ドアをポタンってしめようね。"

Jerga

"今日店しめるの早えな。"

Dato curioso

Because 'shimeru' originally meant to restrict or make firm, it is the root of the word 'shimenawa' (注連縄), the sacred ropes used in Shinto to mark off restricted, sacred spaces. The rope 'closes off' the area from impurities.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /ɕi.me.ɾɯ/

US /ɕi.me.ɾɯ/

In standard Tokyo dialect, しめる has a 'heiban' (flat) pitch accent. It starts low on 'shi' and goes high on 'me' and stays high on 'ru' (shi-ME-RU).

Rima con

きめる (kimeru - to decide) やめる (yameru - to stop) ほめる (homeru - to praise) ためる (tameru - to save/accumulate) せめる (semeru - to attack) なめる (nameru - to lick) もとめる (motomeru - to seek) あつめる (atsumeru - to collect)

Errores comunes

Pronouncing the 'r' as an English hard 'r'. It must be tapped.
Adding a 'y' sound after the 'sh' (like 'shy-meru'). It should be a pure 'ee' sound.
Using the wrong pitch accent, making it sound like a question.
Confusing the pronunciation with 'shimaru' (intransitive).
Elongating the vowels (sheee-meee-ru). Keep them short and crisp.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 2/5

The kanji 閉 is relatively simple and learned early (Grade 3 in Japan). Recognizing the difference between 閉, 締, and 絞 takes a bit more time.

Escritura 3/5

Writing the kanji 閉 from memory requires remembering the 'gate' radical (門) and the inner component (才).

Expresión oral 1/5

Very easy to pronounce. It is a regular Group 2 verb, making conjugation simple.

Escucha 2/5

The main difficulty is distinguishing it in real-time from its intransitive counterpart 'shimaru'.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

ドア (doa - door) 窓 (mado - window) を (wo - object particle) 開ける (akeru - to open)

Aprende después

閉まる (shimaru - to close automatically) 閉じる (tojiru - to close books/eyes) 鍵をかける (kagi wo kakeru - to lock) 終わる (owaru - to end)

Avanzado

締め切り (shimekiri - deadline) 引き締める (hikishimeru - to tighten) 閉鎖する (heisa suru - to close down/blockade) 自縄自縛 (jijoubaku - caught in one's own trap)

Gramática que debes saber

Transitive vs Intransitive Verbs (他動詞と自動詞)

ドアを閉める (I close the door) vs ドアが閉まる (The door closes).

Particle を (wo) for Direct Objects

窓を閉める (Close the window).

Te-form for Requests (〜てください)

ドアを閉めてください (Please close the door).

Te-form + oku for Preparation (〜ておく)

窓を閉めておきます (I will close the window and leave it that way).

Negative Requests (〜ないでください)

窓を閉めないでください (Please do not close the window).

Ejemplos por nivel

ドアをしめてください。

Please close the door.

Uses the te-form + kudasai for a polite request.

まどをしめます。

I will close the window.

Uses the polite masu-form.

あついから、まどをしめないで。

Because it is hot, please don't close the window.

Uses the negative nai-de form for a negative request.

わたしがドアをしめました。

I closed the door.

Uses the past polite form mashita.

カーテンをしめましょうか。

Shall I close the curtains?

Uses the volitional mashou ka form to offer help.

はやくドアをしめて！

Close the door quickly!

Casual te-form used as a command.

まどをしめたいです。

I want to close the window.

Uses the tai-form to express desire.

ドアをしめるひと。

The person who closes the door.

Dictionary form modifying a noun.

風が強いので、窓を閉めておきます。

Because the wind is strong, I will close the window (and leave it closed).

Uses te-oku to indicate an action done in preparation or leaving something in a state.

出かける前に、必ず鍵を閉めてください。

Before you go out, please make sure to lock the door.

Combines mae ni (before) with the action of locking.

冷蔵庫のドアを閉めるのを忘れました。

I forgot to close the refrigerator door.

Nominalizes the verb using 'no' to make it the object of 'forgot'.

静かにドアを閉めることができますか？

Can you close the door quietly?

Uses koto ga dekiru to express ability.

ドアを閉めると、部屋が暗くなります。

When you close the door, the room becomes dark.

Uses the conditional 'to' (when/if).

窓を閉めながら、外を見ました。

While closing the window, I looked outside.

Uses nagara to express simultaneous actions.

ドアを閉めなければなりません。

I must close the door.

Uses nakereba narimasen for obligation.

彼に窓を閉めてもらいました。

I had him close the window (and I am grateful).

Uses te-morau to show receiving a favor.

この店は夜8時に閉めます。

This shop closes at 8 PM.

Using shimeru for closing a business for the day.

瓶のふたをしっかり閉めないと、こぼれますよ。

If you don't close the jar's lid tightly, it will spill.

Using an adverb (shikkari) and a conditional negative.

ネクタイを締めるのが苦手です。

I am bad at tying neckties.

Using the alternate kanji 締める for fastening.

ドアを閉めたままにしてください。

Please leave the door closed.

Uses ta-mama to indicate leaving something in a resulting state.

先生は生徒に教科書を閉じさせました。

The teacher made the students close their textbooks.

Contrast with tojiru; uses causative form.

シートベルトを締めてから運転してください。

Please drive after fastening your seatbelt.

Using 締める for seatbelts with te-kara (after doing).

ガスを止めて、元栓を閉めたか確認した。

I checked whether I stopped the gas and closed the main valve.

Using shimeru for valves/taps.

彼は怒ってドアをバタンと閉めた。

He got angry and slammed the door shut.

Using onomatopoeia (batan to) to describe how it was closed.

不景気のため、長年続いた工場を閉めることになった。

Due to the economic downturn, it was decided to close the factory that had been running for many years.

Using shimeru to mean permanently shutting down a business.

気を引き締めて、明日の試験に臨みたいと思います。

I want to brace myself (focus my mind) and face tomorrow's exam.

Using the compound verb hikishimeru metaphorically.

自分で自分の首を絞めるような真似はよせ。

Stop doing things that are like strangling your own neck (sabotaging yourself).

Using the kanji 絞める in an idiomatic expression for self-sabotage.

議論を締めくくるにあたり、一言申し上げます。

In bringing this discussion to a close, I would like to say a few words.

Using the compound shimekukuru for wrapping up an event.

チャックが壊れていて、カバンを閉めるのに苦労した。

The zipper was broken, and I had a hard time closing the bag.

Using shimeru for zipping up a bag.

彼女は口を固く閉ざして、何も語ろうとしなかった。

She kept her mouth firmly shut and wouldn't try to say anything.

Contrast with tozasu (to shut firmly/metaphorically).

今月末で応募を締め切らせていただきます。

We will close the applications at the end of this month.

Using the compound shimekiru (to cut off/set a deadline).

ドアが自動的に閉まる仕組みになっている。

It is designed so that the door closes automatically.

Contrast with the intransitive shimaru in a complex sentence structure.

その老舗旅館は、後継者不足を理由に暖簾を降ろし、店を閉めた。

That long-established inn took down its shop curtain and closed its business due to a lack of successors.

Combining cultural idioms (noren wo orosu) with mise wo shimeru.

財政の紐を引き締める政策が急務である。

Policies to tighten the purse strings (fiscal policy) are an urgent necessity.

Using hikishimeru in an economic/political context.

彼の不用意な発言が、結果的に自らの首を絞めることとなった。

His careless remarks ultimately resulted in him strangling his own neck (digging his own grave).

Advanced use of the self-sabotage idiom in a formal context.

本日のシンポジウムを締めくくる基調講演が行われた。

The keynote speech that wrapped up today's symposium was delivered.

Formal use of shimekukuru as a modifier.

交渉の扉を完全に閉めるべきではないという意見が大勢を占めた。

The majority opinion was that the door to negotiations should not be completely closed.

Metaphorical use of tobira wo shimeru (closing the door to an opportunity).

予算の締め付けが厳しくなり、新規プロジェクトは凍結された。

The tightening of the budget became severe, and new projects were frozen.

Using the noun form shimetsuke (tightening/restriction).

彼は心の扉を固く閉ざし、誰の言葉にも耳を貸さなかった。

He firmly shut the door to his heart and wouldn't listen to anyone's words.

Poetic/literary use of closing (tozasu) applied to emotions.

帳簿を締める作業に追われ、経理部は深夜まで残業していた。

Pressed by the work of closing the books (ledgers), the accounting department worked overtime until late at night.

Using shimeru in an accounting context (closing the books).

長きにわたる冷戦構造が終焉を迎え、歴史の一つの章が閉じられたと同時に、新たな対立の幕が開いた。

The long-standing Cold War structure met its demise, and as one chapter of history was closed, the curtain rose on a new conflict.

Highly literary contrast using tojiru (passive) and maku ga aku.

自己矛盾に満ちたその論理は、結局のところ自縄自縛に陥り、自らの首を絞める結果を招来するに過ぎない。

That logic, full of self-contradictions, ultimately falls into self-entanglement and merely brings about the result of strangling one's own neck.

Academic/philosophical phrasing using four-character idioms (jijoubaku) with the shimeru idiom.

企業統治の観点から、放漫な経営体質を改め、内部統制のタガを締め直す必要がある。

From the perspective of corporate governance, it is necessary to reform the lax management structure and retighten the hoops of internal control.

Using the idiom taga wo shimeru (to tighten the hoops / restore discipline).

言論の自由に対する不当な締め付けは、民主主義の根幹を揺るがす暴挙であると断じざるを得ない。

One cannot help but conclude that unjust crackdowns (tightening) on freedom of speech are an outrage that shakes the very foundations of democracy.

Using the noun shimetsuke in a strong socio-political critique.

その老練な政治家は、巧みな弁舌で反対派を封じ込め、見事に会議を締めくくってみせた。

That veteran politician contained the opposition with skillful eloquence and demonstrated a splendid wrapping up of the meeting.

Advanced narrative description using shimekukuru.

万感の思いを込めて、彼は静かに日記のページを閉じた。

Filled with a myriad of emotions, he quietly closed the pages of his diary.

Literary emotional expression using tojiru.

金融引き締め策が実体経済に及ぼす影響を、多角的な視点から分析することが求められている。

It is required to analyze the impact that monetary tightening policies exert on the real economy from multifaceted perspectives.

Using the economic term kin'yuu hikishime (monetary tightening).

国境の扉を固く閉ざす鎖国政策は、短期的には安定をもたらしたが、長期的には技術的遅滞を余儀なくさせた。

The national isolation policy of firmly shutting the doors of the borders brought stability in the short term, but inevitably forced technological stagnation in the long term.

Historical analysis using tobira wo tozasu.

Colocaciones comunes

ドアを閉める

窓を閉める

鍵を閉める

店を閉める

ふたを閉める

シートベルトを締める

ネクタイを締める

気を引き締める

元栓を閉める

チャックを閉める

Frases Comunes

ドアを閉めてください

閉めてもいいですか

閉め忘れる

店を閉める時間

しっかり閉める

バタンと閉める

そっと閉める

締め切り

首を絞める

気を引き締める

Se confunde a menudo con

しめる vs 閉まる (shimaru)

The intransitive counterpart. Used when something closes by itself or the agent is unknown. Takes the particle が (ga).

しめる vs 閉じる (tojiru)

Used for closing things that fold, like books, eyes, or laptops. Do not use 'shimeru' for these.

しめる vs 締める (shimeru)

Same pronunciation, different kanji. Used for fastening belts, ties, or tightening screws.

Modismos y expresiones

"自分で自分の首を絞める"

To dig one's own grave; to sabotage oneself. Literally 'to strangle one's own neck'.

嘘をつくと、結局は自分で自分の首を絞めることになる。

neutral

"店をたたむ"

To close down a business permanently. Often used interchangeably with 店を閉める in this context.

不景気で、長年続けた店をたたむことになった。

informal

"タガを締める"

To restore discipline; to tighten the reins. Literally 'to tighten the hoops (of a barrel)'.

チームのたるんだタガを締め直す必要がある。

formal

"財布の紐を締める"

To tighten one's purse strings; to be frugal.

給料日前なので、財布の紐を締めている。

neutral

"お茶を濁して締めくくる"

To wrap things up by giving an evasive answer.

彼は適当なことを言って、会議をお茶を濁して締めくくった。

informal

"手綱を締める"

To tighten the reins (control).

新入社員に対して、少し手綱を締める必要がある。

neutral

"口を閉ざす"

To keep one's mouth shut; to refuse to speak. (Uses tozasu, a related concept).

彼女はその事件について固く口を閉ざした。

literary

"心を閉ざす"

To close one's heart; to become emotionally unavailable.

彼は過去のトラウマから心を閉ざしてしまった。

literary

"幕を閉じる"

To come to an end; the curtain falls.

素晴らしいコンサートが幕を閉じた。

formal

"扉を閉ざす"

To close the door (to an opportunity or negotiation).

彼らは対話の扉を閉ざしてしまった。

formal

Fácil de confundir

しめる vs 閉まる (shimaru)

It sounds almost identical and has the exact same kanji.

閉める (shimeru) is an action YOU do (transitive). 閉まる (shimaru) is an action that HAPPENS (intransitive).

私がドアを閉める。(I close the door.) vs ドアが閉まる。(The door closes.)

しめる vs 閉じる (tojiru)

Both translate to 'to close' in English.

閉める is for sliding/swinging barriers (doors, windows). 閉じる is for folding things (books, eyes).

窓を閉める。(Close the window.) vs 本を閉じる。(Close the book.)

しめる vs 塞ぐ (fusagu)

Both can mean to close off an opening.

閉める is for functional doors/windows. 塞ぐ is for plugging a hole, blocking a road, or covering ears/eyes with hands.

ドアを閉める。(Close the door.) vs 穴を塞ぐ。(Plug the hole.)

しめる vs 終わる (owaru)

English uses 'close' for ending a meeting or event.

終わる means to end or finish. 閉める is physical closing (except in specific idioms like closing a shop).

店を閉める。(Close the shop.) vs 会議が終わる。(The meeting ends.)

しめる vs 掛ける (kakeru)

Used with locks (鍵 - kagi).

鍵を閉める and 鍵を掛ける both mean to lock a door and are largely interchangeable, but 掛ける specifically refers to engaging the locking mechanism.

鍵を閉める / 鍵を掛ける (Both mean 'to lock').

Patrones de oraciones

[Noun] をしめる。

ドアをしめる。

[Noun] をしめてください。

まどをしめてください。

[Reason] から、[Noun] をしめる。

寒いから、窓を閉める。

[Noun] をしめないでください。

ドアを閉めないでください。

[Noun] を [Adverb] しめる。

ふたをしっかり閉める。

[Noun] をしめたままにする。

窓を閉めたままにする。

[Noun] をしめさせる (Causative)。

子供にドアを閉めさせる。

[Noun] をしめくくる。

スピーチを締めくくる。

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

Verbos

Relacionado

Cómo usarlo

frequency

Extremely High. Top 500 most common words in Japanese.

Errores comunes

ドアが閉める。 → ドアを閉める。 / ドアが閉まる。
You cannot use the subject particle 'ga' with the transitive verb 'shimeru' unless you are emphasizing WHO is closing it (e.g., Watashi ga doa wo shimeru). If the door closes by itself, use 'shimaru'.
本を閉める。 → 本を閉じる。
'Shimeru' is for sliding or swinging barriers. For things that fold shut like books, laptops, or eyes, you must use 'tojiru'.
シートベルトを閉める。 → シートベルトを締める。
While the pronunciation is the same, the kanji 閉 is for doors. For fastening belts or ties, you must use the kanji 締.
ドアを閉まる。 → ドアを閉める。
You cannot use the object particle 'wo' with the intransitive verb 'shimaru'. If you are doing the action, use 'shimeru'.
目を閉める。 → 目を閉じる。
Just like with books, eyes fold shut. Therefore, you must use 'tojiru' instead of 'shimeru'.

Consejos

Always use を (wo)

Because しめる is a transitive verb (an action you do), it must take the particle を. Practice saying 'ドアを閉める' as a single phrase.

Books and Eyes = Tojiru

Never use shimeru for books or eyes. Memorize the pair: ドアを閉める (door) and 本を閉じる (book).

Check your Kanji

If you are typing, make sure you select 閉める for doors and 締める for seatbelts. If in doubt, hiragana is fine.

Train Announcements

Next time you are in Japan or watching an anime, listen for 'Doa ga shimarimasu'. It's the best way to remember the intransitive form.

Polite Requests

The phrase 'shimete kudasai' is essential. Use it when you want someone to close a door or window for you.

Locking vs Closing

'Doa wo shimeru' just means shutting the door. If you want to say 'lock', you must say 'kagi wo shimeru'.

Mise wo shimeru

Remember that closing a shop can mean for the night OR forever. Context is key when you hear this phrase.

Flat Pitch

Pronounce it flat (shi-ME-RU). Don't raise your pitch at the end unless you are asking a question.

Shime-wasure

Add 'wasureru' (to forget) to the stem to make 'shime-wasureru' (to forget to close). Very useful for daily life!

Gentle Closing

In Japan, slamming doors is very rude. Always try to 'sotto shimeru' (close gently) when in someone's home.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Imagine you are SHEARING a sheep, but the sheep escapes. You yell, 'SHE MAY RUin the garden! CLOSE the gate!' (shi-me-ru).

Asociación visual

Visualize a person sliding a traditional Japanese shoji door shut. As the door slides, it makes a 'shhh' sound, and when it meets the frame, it goes 'meh-ru'. Shhh-meh-ru.

Word Web

しめる (Center) ドア (Door) 窓 (Window) 鍵 (Key/Lock) を (Particle) 閉まる (Intransitive) 開ける (Opposite) 締める (Tie/Fasten)

Desafío

Walk around your house. Every time you physically close a door, a window, a drawer, or a cabinet, say out loud: '[Object] をしめる'. Do this 10 times today.

Origen de la palabra

The word しめる (shimeru) is a native Japanese word (和語 - wago). It originates from Old Japanese, where the root concept involved restricting, occupying, or making something firm and unmoving. Over time, this single phonetic root diverged into different specific meanings, which were later assigned different Chinese characters (kanji) when the writing system was adopted.

Significado original: The original sense was 'to make firm, to restrict, or to take possession of'. This is why the same reading 'shimeru' applies to closing a door (restricting access), fastening a belt (making firm), strangling (restricting breath), and occupying a seat (taking possession - 占める).

Japonic

Contexto cultural

When using the kanji 絞める (to strangle), be aware that it is a violent term. Do not use it jokingly in the same way you might say 'I'm going to kill you' in English slang. The idiom 'jibun no kubi wo shimeru' (strangling one's own neck / self-sabotage) is safe to use metaphorically, however.

English speakers often use 'close' for everything: doors, books, eyes, meetings. In Japanese, you must compartmentalize these actions. 'Shimeru' is for doors/windows, 'tojiru' is for books/eyes, 'owaru' is for meetings.

Suzume no Tojimari (Suzume's Door-Locking) - A famous anime film by Makoto Shinkai where the main character must 'close' magical doors to prevent disasters. The phrase 'Mise wo shimeru' is frequently heard in dramas when a beloved local restaurant is forced to shut down. Train departure melodies are always followed by the announcement 'Doa ga shimarimasu' (The doors are closing).

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

In a classroom or office

ドアを閉めてください
窓を閉めてもいいですか
静かに閉める
ブラインドを閉める

Leaving the house

鍵を閉める
戸締まりをする
窓を全部閉めたか確認する
しっかり閉める

At a shop or restaurant

店を閉める
何時に閉まりますか (intransitive used for asking)
閉店時間
レジを締める (closing the register)

In a car or train

ドアを閉めます
シートベルトを締める (alternate kanji)
窓を閉めてください
トランクを閉める

Dealing with containers

ふたを閉める
キャップを閉める
しっかり閉める
閉め忘れる

Inicios de conversación

"ちょっと寒いですね。窓を閉めましょうか？ (It's a bit cold. Shall I close the window?)"

"出かける前に、全部の窓を閉めましたか？ (Did you close all the windows before leaving?)"

"あの新しいカフェ、もう店を閉めたらしいですよ。 (I heard that new cafe already closed down.)"

"寝る前に必ず鍵を閉めるようにしていますか？ (Do you make sure to lock the door before going to sleep?)"

"ドアをバタンと閉める人、どう思いますか？ (What do you think of people who slam doors?)"

Temas para diario

Write about your morning routine. Include the action of closing the door when you leave the house.

Describe a time you forgot to close something important (a window, a lock, a fridge) and what happened.

Write a short dialogue between a teacher asking a student to close the window because it is noisy outside.

Explain the difference between 'shimeru' and 'shimaru' in your own words with examples.

Write about your favorite local shop. What time do they usually close (mise wo shimeru)?

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

No, this is unnatural. For books, you must use the verb 閉じる (tojiru). So, '本を閉じる' is the correct phrase. 'Shimeru' is reserved for things like doors, windows, and lids.

They are pronounced exactly the same (shimeru) but have different kanji and meanings. 閉める means to shut a door or window. 締める means to fasten or tie something tightly, like a necktie or a seatbelt.

'ドアが閉まります' (doa ga shimarimasu) uses the intransitive verb, meaning 'the doors are closing'. This shifts the focus to the action of the doors themselves, which sounds more objective and polite than saying 'I am closing the doors'.

You can say '鍵を閉める' (kagi wo shimeru) or '鍵をかける' (kagi wo kakeru). Both are very common and mean 'to lock the door'. Literally, they mean 'to close the lock' and 'to engage the lock'.

しめる (shimeru) is a Group 2 verb (also known as an Ichidan verb or ru-verb). This makes it very easy to conjugate: just drop the 'ru' and add 'masu', 'te', 'nai', etc. (shimemasu, shimete, shimenai).

Yes. '店を閉める' (mise wo shimeru) can mean closing a shop at the end of the day, or it can mean permanently going out of business, depending on the context.

You use the negative te-form (nai-de form) + kudasai. '窓を閉めないでください' (mado wo shimenaide kudasai).

It is a common idiom that means 'to brace oneself', 'to focus one's mind', or 'to tighten one's resolve'. It is often used before a big event, test, or new beginning.

No. Just like with books, you must use 閉じる (tojiru) for eyes. '目を閉じる' (me wo tojiru) is the correct way to say 'close one's eyes'.

The most common noun derived from this verb is 締め切り (shimekiri), which means 'deadline'. Another is 戸締まり (tojimari), which means 'locking up the house'.

Ponte a prueba 200 preguntas

writing

Translate: Please close the door.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

doa wo shimete kudasai.