閉める
You use 閉める when you want to shut something, like a door or a window.
Explanation at your level:
Hello! Today we learn 閉める (shimeru). It means 'to close'. Like when you close a door. ドアを閉める (doa o shimeru). Or close a window. 窓を閉める (mado o shimeru). It is something you do to make things shut. You can close your room. You can close a box. It is a very common word for closing things!
The verb 閉める (shimeru) is used when you want to make something shut. For example, you close the door: ドアを閉めます (doa o shimesu). Or you close the window: 窓を閉めます (mado o shimesu). You can also use it for shops. When a shop closes for the day, we say 店を閉める (mise o shimeru). It's about the action of shutting something.
閉める (shimeru) is a fundamental Japanese verb meaning 'to close' or 'to shut'. It's used for a variety of actions, from physically closing doors (ドアを閉める) and windows (窓を閉める) to closing curtains (カーテンを閉める). A common idiomatic use is for shops closing for the day: 店を閉める (mise o shimeru). It implies an active process of bringing something to a closed state.
The verb 閉める (shimeru) denotes the act of closing or shutting. While its core meaning relates to physical objects like doors and windows, its usage extends to more abstract concepts. For instance, 店を閉める (mise o shimeru) signifies a shop's closure, either daily or permanently. It can also refer to closing accounts (口座を閉める - kouza o shimeru) or even, in some contexts, closing one's eyes (目を閉める - me o shimeru), though 閉じる is often preferred for the latter. Understanding the nuances of 閉める versus 閉じる is key.
閉める (shimeru) functions as a transitive verb indicating the act of closing or shutting. Its semantic range includes the physical closure of apertures like doors (ドアを閉める) and windows (窓を閉める), as well as the cessation of business operations (店を閉める). The verb can also be applied metaphorically, such as closing an account (口座を閉める) or, less commonly than 閉じる, closing one's eyes (目を閉める). Context is crucial for distinguishing its precise application and for differentiating it from the related verb 閉じる (tojiru), which often implies a more internal or gentle closing.
The verb 閉める (shimeru), derived from the kanji 閉, represents the active, often external, act of closing or shutting. Its etymological roots suggest containment or sealing. While commonly applied to physical objects like doors (ドアを閉める) and windows (窓を閉める), its semantic field extends to the cessation of commercial activity (店を閉める), the termination of financial accounts (口座を閉める), and even the metaphorical 'closing off' of opportunities. The careful distinction between 閉める and its near-homophone 閉じる (tojiru) is a hallmark of advanced Japanese proficiency. 閉じる typically denotes a more deliberate, internal, or complete closure, such as closing a book (本を閉じる) or closing one's eyes (目を閉じる). Mastery of 閉める involves recognizing its diverse applications across literal and figurative contexts and understanding its historical evolution.
30초 단어
- 閉める (shimeru) means 'to close' or 'to shut'.
- Used for physical objects like doors, windows, and shops.
- Distinguish from homophone 締める (to tighten) and related verb 閉じる (to close books/eyes).
- Has figurative uses like closing accounts or shutting off opportunities.
Hey there! Let's dive into the super useful Japanese verb 閉める (shimeru). In its simplest form, it means 'to close' or 'to shut'. Think about closing a door, shutting a window, or even closing a box. It's all about bringing something from an open state to a closed one.
But 閉める isn't just for physical things! You can also use it to talk about closing a shop for the day (お店を閉める - omise o shimeru) or even closing an account. It’s a versatile verb that pops up in everyday situations all the time. Understanding 閉める is a big step in sounding more natural in Japanese!
The kanji 閉 itself has a long history, originating from ancient Chinese characters. The character depicts a person (丨) inside a building (門 - gate/door), suggesting the idea of being inside and closing the entrance. Over centuries, its meaning solidified around the concept of closure.
In Japanese, the verb 閉める (shimeru) is one of the primary ways to express this idea. It's related to other kanji and words that involve closing or shutting, like 閉じる (tojiru), which often implies a more gentle or internal closing (like closing a book or one's eyes). The distinction between 閉める and 閉じる is a fascinating nuance that developed over time. Think of 閉める as the more active, external 'shutting' action, while 閉じる can be more about bringing something to an end or a contained state.
So, when do we use 閉める? It's incredibly common! You'll hear it constantly in daily life. The most frequent use is with doors (ドアを閉める - doa o shimeru) and windows (窓を閉める - mado o shimeru). Remember, it's the action of *making* them close.
Beyond that, think about shops: お店を閉める (omise o shimeru) means to close the shop for the day. You can also close things like curtains (カーテンを閉める - kaaten o shimeru) or even your eyes (目を閉める - me o shimeru), though for eyes, 閉じる is also very common. In a more formal or business context, you might hear about closing an account (口座を閉める - kouza o shimeru) or closing a contract. It’s really about the act of shutting or concluding something.
Register Scale:
- Most Formal: Closing a business deal, closing a formal inquiry.
- Neutral: Closing doors, windows, shops.
- Casual: Shutting your room door quickly.
The key is the active 'shutting' motion or the cessation of activity.
While 閉める itself is quite direct, it appears in some common phrases and expressions that add color to the language!
- 店を閉める (mise o shimeru): This literally means 'to close the shop'. It's used when a store finishes its business for the day or permanently closes down. Example: そろそろ店を閉める時間です。(Sorosoro mise o shimeru jikan desu.) - It's about time to close the shop.
- 口を閉める (kuchi o shimeru): This means 'to shut one's mouth' or 'to stop talking'. It's a direct command or statement about silence. Example: もう喋らないで、口を閉めなさい！(Mou shabarenai de, kuchi o shimesainasai!) - Stop talking, shut your mouth!
- 目を閉める (me o shimeru): While 閉じる is often used for closing eyes, 閉める can also be used, sometimes implying a more deliberate or perhaps even a brief closure. Example: 彼は心配で目を閉めることができなかった。(Kare wa shinpai de me o shimeru koto ga dekinakatta.) - He couldn't close his eyes due to worry.
- 門を閉める (mon o shimeru): This means 'to close the gate'. It can be literal or sometimes used figuratively to mean shutting off access or opportunity. Example: 機会を逃してしまった、門を閉めてしまったようだ。(Kikai o nogashite shimatta, mon o shimete shimatta you da.) - I missed the opportunity, it seems like the gate has been shut.
- 腹に一物ある (hara ni ichimotsu aru) - related concept: While not directly using 閉める, the idea of 'keeping something hidden' or 'having a hidden agenda' relates to a metaphorical closing off of one's true feelings or intentions. Example: 彼の笑顔は嘘かもしれない。腹に一物ある顔だ。(Kare no egao wa uso kamo shirenai. Hara ni ichimotsu aru kao da.) - His smile might be a lie. He looks like he has something hidden.
Let's break down the grammar and sound of 閉める!
Verb Conjugation: 閉める is an ichidan (Group 2) verb. This makes its conjugations pretty straightforward. For example:
- Present polite: 閉めます (shimesu)
- Past polite: 閉めました (shimemashita)
- Negative polite: 閉めません (shimesen)
- Te-form: 閉めて (shimete)
- Potential: 閉められる (shimerareru)
- Volitional: 閉めよう (shimeyou)
Pronunciation:
- IPA (Japanese): /ɕimeɾɯ/
- British English approximation: 'shee-meh-roo' (with a slight roll on the 'r')
- American English approximation: 'shee-meh-roo'
Rhyming Words: Words ending in '-imeru' or similar sounds can sometimes be considered rhymes, though perfect rhymes are less common in Japanese.
- 開ける (akeru - to open) - This is actually an antonym and a different verb group, but shares a similar sound structure.
- 締める (shimeru - to tighten) - This is a homophone! It has the exact same pronunciation but a different kanji and meaning. Be careful!
- 冷める (sameru - to cool down)
Stress Patterns: Japanese is a pitch-accent language, not stress-accent like English. The word 閉める has a specific pitch pattern that native speakers recognize.
Fun Fact
The kanji 閉 is composed of 'gate' (門) and 'person' (人), visually representing someone inside closing the door.
Pronunciation Guide
Starts with a 'sh' sound like 'ship', followed by 'i' as in 'sit', then 'm', then 'e' as in 'bet', and ends with 'ru' similar to 'roo' but with a slight flap of the tongue for the 'r'.
Similar to UK pronunciation, with the 'sh' sound, short 'i', 'm', short 'e', and 'roo' sound. The 'r' sound is typically more pronounced than in UK English.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing the 'shi' as 'shee' (long 'ee' sound).
- Not clearly articulating the 'm' sound.
- Pronouncing the 'ru' ending too strongly like an English 'rue'.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to read in basic contexts, becomes harder with figurative use.
Basic usage is simple, but distinguishing from homophones/related verbs requires care.
Pronunciation is straightforward, but correct usage in context is key.
Easy to recognize in basic contexts, homophones can cause confusion.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
고급
Grammar to Know
Te-form + ください
窓を閉めてください。(Please close the window.)
Verb Nai-form + ほうがいい
電気を閉めないほうがいい。(It's better not to close/leave the lights off.)
Transitive vs. Intransitive Verbs
ドアを閉める (transitive - someone closes the door) vs. ドアが開く (intransitive - the door opens by itself).
Examples by Level
ドアを閉める。
door + to close.
Noun + を + Verb.
窓を閉める。
window + to close.
Noun + を + Verb.
箱を閉める。
box + to close.
Noun + を + Verb.
部屋を閉める。
room + to close.
Noun + を + Verb.
店を閉める。
shop + to close.
Noun + を + Verb.
電気を閉める。
electricity + to close.
Noun + を + Verb. (Means 'turn off')
目を閉める。
eyes + to close.
Noun + を + Verb.
本を閉める。
book + to close.
Noun + を + Verb.
すみません、窓を閉めてください。
excuse me, window + closing + please.
Te-form + ください for polite request.
もう夜だから、店を閉めましょう。
already night + because, shop + to close + let's.
Verb volitional form for suggestion.
危ないから、ドアをちゃんと閉めてね。
dangerous + because, door + properly + to close + (casual sentence ender).
Te-form + ね for casual instruction/reminder.
彼は急いで部屋のドアを閉めた。
he + hurriedly + room's + door + closed.
Past tense of the verb.
寒いので、玄関のドアを閉めました。
cold + because, entrance + door + closed.
Past polite tense.
この箱は大きすぎて、閉めるのが難しい。
this + box + is too big + to close + is difficult.
Verb stem + の + が + Adjective.
仕事が終わったら、会社を閉める。
work + finishes + if, company + to close.
Conditional form + main verb.
子供がおもちゃの箱を閉めた。
child + toy's + box + closed.
Simple past tense example.
雨が降ってきたので、窓を閉めなければなりません。
rain + is falling + because, window + must close.
なければなりません (must do).
閉店時間なので、そろそろ店を閉めます。
closing time + because, soon + shop + will close.
Present polite tense for future action.
彼はいつも寝る前にカーテンを閉める習慣がある。
he + always + before sleeping + curtains + to close + habit + has.
Noun + の + Verb stem + 習慣がある (has a habit of).
この古い家は、夜になると全ての窓を閉める。
this + old + house + at night + all + windows + to close.
Simple present tense for habitual actions.
「もう遅いから、部屋の電気を閉めなさい。」と母は言った。
'already late + because, room's + light + turn off + (command)' + mother + said.
Imperative form (なさい).
彼は秘密を守るために、口を閉めた。
he + secret + to protect + for, mouth + closed.
Te-form + た for completed action.
銀行は午後3時に口座を閉める手続きを完了した。
bank + at 3 PM + account + to close + procedure + completed.
Noun + を + Verb + する (procedure of closing).
この鍵がないと、ドアを閉めることができない。
this + key + if not have, door + to close + cannot do.
Potential negative form.
強風のため、窓を閉めても隙間風が入ってくる。
strong wind + because of, window + closing + even if, draft + comes in.
ても (even if) + 入ってくる (comes in).
彼は長年経営してきた店を、ついに閉める決断をした。
he + many years + managed + shop + finally + to close + decision + made.
Verb + 決断をする (make a decision).
夜間は防犯のため、全てのシャッターを閉めるように指示されている。
nighttime + security + for the purpose of, all + shutters + to close + as instructed.
ように指示されている (is instructed to).
彼は感情を表に出さないように、常に心を閉めている。
he + emotions + outwardly + not show + in order to, heart + closing.
Metaphorical use of closing the heart.
子供が寝静まった後、母親はそっと部屋のドアを閉めた。
child + fell asleep + after, mother + quietly + room's + door + closed.
Soっと (quietly) + Verb.
この古い図書館は、来月をもって閉館するという知らせを聞いた。
this + old + library + next month + with + close building + will + news + heard.
閉館する (close a building) - related to 閉める.
彼は過去の失敗から何も学ばないように、意識的に目を閉めている。
he + past + failures + from + nothing + learn + not + as if, consciously + eyes + closing.
意識的に (consciously) + Verb.
事業を拡大するため、既存の支店をいくつか閉める必要がある。
business + to expand + in order to, existing + branches + several + to close + is necessary.
Verb + 必要がある (there is a need to).
その政治家は国民の不満の声に耳を閉ざし、改革を拒否した。
that + politician + citizens' + dissatisfaction + voices + to ears + closing, reform + rejected.
耳を閉ざす (close one's ears) - related to 閉める, often implies willful ignorance.
彼は長年の友人関係を、些細な誤解から閉めることを後悔している。
he + many years + friendship + minor + misunderstanding + from, closing + regrets.
Metaphorical use of closing a relationship.
この地域では、夜間営業を終了する店舗が増え、街の活気が閉められているかのようだ。
this + region + in, night + business + ending + stores + increasing, town's + vitality + being closed + as if.
活気が閉められている (vitality is being closed off) - figurative.
彼は自身の感情を深く閉め、決して他人に弱みを見せなかった。
he + his own + emotions + deeply + closed, never + to others + weakness + showed.
感情を閉める (close emotions) - internal state.
企業は、不況の影響で一部門の業務を一時的に閉めることを余儀なくされた。
company + recession + effect + due to, some departments + operations + temporarily + to close + was forced.
余儀なくされる (to be forced to).
彼は過去のトラウマから逃れるように、記憶の扉を固く閉めていた。
he + past + trauma + from + escape + as if, memory's + door + firmly + closed.
記憶の扉を閉める (close the door of memory) - psychological metaphor.
その芸術家は、社会的な規範に反発し、自身の表現世界を閉じた空間に保った。
that + artist + social + norms + against, own + artistic world + closed + space + kept.
表現世界を閉じた空間に保つ (maintain an artistic world in a closed space).
彼は、一度決めたことは決して覆さないという固い意志で、議論の余地を閉めた。
he + once + decided + things + never + overturn + this + firm + will + with, room for discussion + closed.
議論の余地を閉める (close the room for discussion) - figurative closure.
その古代都市は、侵略者から身を守るため、巨大な城壁でその門を固く閉ざした。
that + ancient city + invaders + from + self + protect + for, giant + city walls + with + its + gates + firmly + shut.
門を閉ざす (shut the gates) - archaic/formal, implies complete sealing.
彼は自己防衛のために感情の鎧をまとい、心の扉を閉めることで、他者との深い繋がりを避けていた。
he + self-defense + for + emotional + armor + wore, heart's + door + closing + by, others + with + deep + connection + avoided.
心の扉を閉める (close the door of the heart) - profound emotional withdrawal.
その作家は、社会の矛盾に対する静かなる抗議として、自身の作品群を一つの閉じた宇宙として提示した。
that + author + society's + contradictions + against + quiet + protest + as, own + works + one + closed + universe + as + presented.
閉じた宇宙 (a closed universe) - artistic/philosophical concept.
彼は、過去の傷が癒えるまで、新たな人間関係を築くことを意図的に閉めていた。
he + past + wounds + heal + until, new + human relationships + build + intentionally + closing.
意図的に閉める (intentionally close off) - deliberate avoidance.
その独裁政権は、情報統制を徹底し、国民の知る権利への扉を閉めた。
that + dictatorial regime + information control + thoroughness + and, citizens' + right to know + towards + door + closed.
扉を閉める (close the door) - metaphor for denying access/rights.
彼は、自身の芸術的探求の深化のため、一時的に世俗的な関心事を閉め、制作に没頭した。
he + his own + artistic exploration + deepening + for, temporarily + worldly + interests + closing, creation + immersed.
世俗的な関心事を閉める (close off worldly interests) - focused dedication.
その哲学者は、存在の本質を探求する上で、既成概念という名の窓を閉める必要性を説いた。
that + philosopher + existence + essence + explore + in, established notions + named + window + closing + necessity + preached.
窓を閉める (close the window) - metaphor for rejecting existing frameworks.
彼は、一度関わった問題からは決して目を閉めず、解決に向けて粘り強く取り組んだ。
he + once + involved + problem + from + never + eyes + closing, solution + towards + persistently + worked.
目を閉めない (not close one's eyes) - implies not ignoring or giving up.
자주 쓰는 조합
Idioms & Expressions
"店を閉める"
To close a shop (for the day or permanently).
今日はもう店を閉める時間です。
neutral"口を閉める"
To shut one's mouth; to stop talking.
これ以上聞きたくない、口を閉めろ！
casual/forceful"目を閉める"
To close one's eyes (sometimes implies ignoring something).
彼は現実から目を閉めることができなかった。
neutral/figurative"門を閉める"
To close the gate; to shut off access.
一度チャンスを逃すと、門を閉めてしまうこともある。
figurative"心を閉める"
To close one's heart; to become emotionally withdrawn.
彼は傷ついた後、心を閉めるようになった。
figurative/literary"シャッターを下ろす"
Literally to lower a shutter, but often used figuratively to mean closing down a business or ending an era.
長年続いた喫茶店がついにシャッターを下ろした。
figurativeEasily Confused
Identical pronunciation (shimeru).
Means 'to tighten', 'to fasten', 'to wear (a tie)', 'to economize'. Uses the kanji 締.
ネクタイを締める (nekutai o shimeru - to tighten a tie) vs. ドアを閉める (doa o shimeru - to close a door).
Similar meaning ('to close') and related kanji.
Generally used for closing books, eyes, or bringing things to a more internal or final conclusion. 閉める is more about the physical act of shutting.
本を閉じる (hon o tojiru - to close a book) vs. ドアを閉める (doa o shimeru - to close a door).
Direct antonym with similar verb structure.
Means 'to open'. Uses the kanji 開.
ドアを開ける (doa o akeru - to open the door) vs. ドアを閉める (doa o shimeru - to close the door).
Can mean 'to block up' or 'to close off'.
Often implies obstructing or blocking an opening, sometimes with a sense of preventing passage or flow. Can also mean to become depressed.
穴を塞ぐ (ana o fusagu - to block a hole) vs. 窓を閉める (mado o shimeru - to close a window).
Sentence Patterns
Noun + を + 閉める
彼は窓を閉めた。(He closed the window.)
Verb (te-form) + ください
静かにドアを閉めてください。(Please close the door quietly.)
Noun + を + 閉める + noun (like 時間)
もう店を閉める時間です。(It's time to close the shop.)
Verb (nai-form) + ほうがいい
夜は電気を閉めないほうがいい。(It's better not to leave the lights closed/off at night.)
Verb (potential form)
この重い箱は一人では閉められない。(I can't close this heavy box by myself.)
어휘 가족
Nouns
Verbs
관련
How to Use It
Formality Scale
자주 하는 실수
They sound exactly the same but have different kanji and meanings. 閉める is for closing, 締める is for tightening or fastening.
While 閉める can sometimes mean 'to close', 閉じる is generally preferred for closing books, eyes, or bringing things to a more internal or final conclusion.
While 電気を閉める is sometimes heard colloquially, the standard and correct verb for turning off lights or electronics is 消す (kesu).
As an ichidan verb, 閉める follows regular Group 2 conjugations. Forgetting to change the final 'ru' to 'masu' or 'ta' is a common error.
This is a fundamental antonym confusion. 閉める is for closing, 開ける (akeru) or 開く (aku) is for opening.
Tips
Homophone Alert!
Remember that 閉める (to close) sounds identical to 締める (to tighten). Always check the kanji or context to know which one is meant!
Active Closing
Think of 閉める as the active action of making something shut. You are the one doing the closing.
Shop Closing Time
In Japan, shops often have clear closing times. 店を閉める is a daily routine for many businesses.
Ichidan Verb Ease
Good news! 閉める is an ichidan (Group 2) verb, making its conjugations predictable and easier to learn than godan verbs.
The 'R' Sound
The Japanese 'r' sound in 閉める is often a light flap, somewhere between an English 'r', 'l', and 'd'. Practice saying 'shi-me-ru' with a quick tap of your tongue.
Don't Mix With 消す
For lights and electronics, use 消す (kesu) instead of 閉める. While sometimes heard, it's not the standard usage.
Kanji Clues
The kanji 閉 visually suggests someone inside a gate, emphasizing the act of closing oneself in or shutting out.
Contextual Practice
Instead of just memorizing the word, practice using it in sentences related to your daily routine: 'I close my window', 'I close the door'.
Beyond Physical Objects
Remember 閉める isn't just for doors! Think about closing shops (店を閉める) or even metaphorical closures.
Te-form 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).
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'shimmering' lights being 'closed' off at night. 'Shimeru' sounds a bit like 'shimmer'.
Visual Association
Imagine a strong, heavy door with a big lock being firmly shut. The action is decisive.
Word Web
챌린지
Try saying 'ドアを閉めます' (Doa o shimesu) five times while physically mimicking closing a door.
어원
Chinese
Original meaning: The character 閉 originally depicted a person (丨) inside a gate or building (門), signifying being inside and closing the entrance.
문화적 맥락
Generally no major cultural sensitivities, but the act of closing oneself off emotionally (心を閉める) can be a sensitive topic.
In English-speaking cultures, 'closing' often implies finality or completion, similar to Japanese contexts like closing a shop or account. The act of closing doors and windows is universal.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At home
- ドアを閉める (doa o shimeru) - to close the door
- 窓を閉める (mado o shimeru) - to close the window
- 電気を消す (denki o kesu) - to turn off the light (Note: not 閉める)
At a shop
- 店を閉める (mise o shimeru) - to close the shop
- 閉店時間です (heiten jikan desu) - It's closing time
- シャッターを閉める (shattā o shimeru) - to lower the shutters
General Actions
- 目を閉める (me o shimeru) - to close one's eyes
- 口を閉める (kuchi o shimeru) - to shut one's mouth
- 鍵を閉める (kagi o shimeru) - to lock (close with a key)
Figurative/Business
- 口座を閉める (kōza o shimeru) - to close an account
- 事業を閉める (jigyō o shimeru) - to close down a business
Conversation Starters
"When you leave a room, do you usually close the door?"
"What time does your favorite shop usually close?"
"Have you ever had to close something important? What was it?"
"If you could close off one thing from your life, what would it be?"
"Do you prefer closing windows at night or keeping them open?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you had to close something important. What happened?
Write about a character who is emotionally closed off. How do they act?
Imagine you are closing a shop for the last time. What feelings do you have?
Reflect on a decision you made that felt like 'closing a door' on other possibilities.
자주 묻는 질문
8 질문Both mean 'to close'. 閉める is generally used for physical actions like closing doors, windows, or shops. 閉じる is often used for closing books, eyes, or bringing things to a more internal or final conclusion. Think of 閉める as more active 'shutting' and 閉じる as more gentle or conclusive 'closing'.
While sometimes heard colloquially, the standard verb for turning off lights or electronics is 消す (kesu). So, 電気(でんき)を消(け)す (denki o kesu) is preferred.
Yes, you can say 口座(こうざ)を閉(し)める (kouza o shimeru) to close a bank account. However, 口座(こうざ)を解約(かいやく)する (kouza o kaiyaku suru - to cancel an account) is also common and perhaps more formal in a banking context.
It means 'to close the shop'. This can refer to closing for the day or closing the business permanently.
Yes, they are homophones, meaning they sound exactly the same (shimeru). However, they have different kanji and meanings. 閉める means 'to close', while 締める means 'to tighten' or 'to fasten'.
Yes, カーテンを閉める (kaaten o shimeru) is a very common phrase for closing curtains.
The most common opposites are 開ける (akeru - to open a door/window) and 開く (aku - to open a shop/account).
You can say ドアを閉めてください (doa o shimete kudasai).
셀프 테스트
Please ______ the window. It's cold.
The sentence indicates it's cold, so closing the window is the logical action.
Which word means 'to close a shop'?
閉める is the general verb for closing, and 店を閉める specifically means to close a shop.
The verb 閉める is used for opening doors.
閉める means to close. The verb for opening doors is 開ける (akeru).
Word
뜻
Matches the object with the correct verb for closing or tightening.
The correct sentence is '雨が降ってきたので、窓を閉めました' (Because it started raining, I closed the window).
He always ______ his heart and never shows his emotions.
The context implies emotional withdrawal, which corresponds to 'closing one's heart'.
Which sentence uses 閉める in a figurative sense related to business?
Option 3 uses 閉める to mean closing a branch of a company due to financial reasons, a figurative business context.
The verb 閉める can be used to describe a government denying citizens their rights, metaphorically closing the door to information.
This reflects the figurative use where 閉める implies blocking access or opportunity, such as 扉を閉める (to close the door) in a political context.
Please ______ the door quietly.
The context implies closing the door gently.
Which is NOT a common collocation with 閉める?
'歌を閉める' (to close a song) is not a standard phrase; one might say '歌を終える' (to finish a song) or '歌を歌うのをやめる' (to stop singing).
The correct sentence is '彼は過去から目を閉めなかった' (He did not close his eyes to the past).
The artist maintained a ______ space, detached from societal norms.
The context suggests isolation and self-containment, fitting the concept of a 'closed' space.
점수: /12
Summary
Mastering 閉める is essential for describing everyday actions, from shutting a door to ending a business day.
- 閉める (shimeru) means 'to close' or 'to shut'.
- Used for physical objects like doors, windows, and shops.
- Distinguish from homophone 締める (to tighten) and related verb 閉じる (to close books/eyes).
- Has figurative uses like closing accounts or shutting off opportunities.
Homophone Alert!
Remember that 閉める (to close) sounds identical to 締める (to tighten). Always check the kanji or context to know which one is meant!
Active Closing
Think of 閉める as the active action of making something shut. You are the one doing the closing.
Shop Closing Time
In Japan, shops often have clear closing times. 店を閉める is a daily routine for many businesses.
Ichidan Verb Ease
Good news! 閉める is an ichidan (Group 2) verb, making its conjugations predictable and easier to learn than godan verbs.
예시
ドアを閉めてください。
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daily_life 관련 단어
じゅうしょ
A2The particulars of the place where someone lives.
住所
A2address, residence
～後
A2after
目覚まし
B1Alarm clock. A clock that makes a noise to wake someone up.
目覚まし時計
B1An alarm clock.
もう少し
B1A little more.
ひとりで
A2Alone.
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B1Even though; despite (particle/conjunction).
ごぜん
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