Explanation at your level:
Hello! Today we learn 閉まる (shimaru). This word means 'to close.' It is used when something closes by itself, like a door closing. You can say 'The door closes.' In Japanese, this is ドアが閉まる (doa ga shimaru). It is a verb. We use it for doors, windows, and shops. When a shop closes, it means it is finished for the day. So, 閉まる (shimaru) is for things that close on their own. Easy, right?
Hi there! Let's talk about 閉まる (shimaru). This verb means 'to close' and is used when something closes by itself. For example, 窓が閉まる (mado ga shimaru) means 'the window closes.' It's different from 'closing something' (which uses 閉める - shimeru). Think of it like this: the window *is closing* or *closes*. We often use it for shops too. 店が閉まる (mise ga shimaru) means 'the shop closes,' usually at the end of the business day. So, remember, 閉まる (shimaru) is for when the subject itself closes.
Let's explore 閉まる (shimaru), a common Japanese intransitive verb meaning 'to close.' It describes the action of something closing without external force. For instance, ドアが閉まる (doa ga shimaru) means 'the door closes.' This contrasts with the transitive verb 閉める (shimeru), which means 'to close something' (e.g., 私がドアを閉める - watashi ga doa o shimeru - 'I close the door').
Common uses include talking about the closing of establishments, such as デパートが閉まる (depāto ga shimaru) - 'the department store closes.' It can also refer to natural phenomena, like eyes closing: 目が閉まる (me ga shimaru). Understanding this distinction between transitive and intransitive verbs is crucial for accurate Japanese communication. Pay attention to the particle が (ga) often marking the subject that performs the closing action.
The Japanese verb 閉まる (shimaru) signifies an intransitive 'to close.' It denotes the action of closing occurring by itself, without an agent actively performing the action. For example, 自動ドアが閉まる (jidō doa ga shimaru) means 'the automatic door closes.' This is distinct from 閉める (shimeru), the transitive verb meaning 'to close something,' as in 窓を閉める (mado o shimeru) - 'to close the window.'
Contextually, 閉まる (shimaru) is frequently used for businesses ceasing operations for the day: 銀行が閉まる (ginkō ga shimaru) - 'the bank closes.' It can also describe the natural closing of apertures like eyes or mouths. Mastery of this verb involves recognizing its intransitive nature and contrasting it with its transitive counterpart, which is a common point of confusion for learners. Pay attention to sentence structure; the subject marked by が (ga) is the entity that closes.
Delving deeper, 閉まる (shimaru) represents the intransitive closure of an entity. Its semantic field encompasses the natural or automatic process of shutting. Consider シャッターが閉まる (shattā ga shimaru) - 'the shutter closes,' implying a mechanism's action rather than a person's. This contrasts sharply with the transitive 閉める (shimeru), which implies volitional agency, such as 店員がドアを閉める (ten'in ga doa o shimeru) - 'the shop assistant closes the door.'
Metaphorically, 閉まる (shimaru) can extend to the cessation of activity or opportunity. For instance, 機会が閉まる (kikai ga shimaru) might imply that an opportunity has passed, though more idiomatic phrases are common. The nuance lies in the inherent action of the subject itself closing, often without external impetus. Understanding this intransitive nature is fundamental to grasping Japanese verbal distinctions and avoiding the common pitfall of conflating it with 閉める (shimeru).
The verb 閉まる (shimaru), rooted in the kanji 閉, denotes an intransitive closure, signifying a state change where the subject itself moves to a shut position. Its etymological connection to concepts of enclosure and blocking is evident. Unlike the transitive 閉める (shimeru), which implies an external agent initiating the closure (e.g., 彼が窓を閉めた - Kare ga mado o shimeta - 'He closed the window'), 閉まる (shimaru) focuses on the subject's self-actuated or natural closure (e.g., 窓が閉まった - Mado ga shimatta - 'The window closed').
Linguistically, it exemplifies the Japanese distinction between intransitive verbs (jikidōshi) and transitive verbs (tadou shi). This distinction is vital for nuanced expression. Figurative applications might include the closing of abstract concepts, though often more specific idiomatic expressions are preferred. The historical evolution of these verbs reflects societal norms and the way actions were perceived – as either self-occurring or externally caused. Mastery involves not only grammatical accuracy but also an appreciation for the subtle semantic differences that enrich the language.
30초 단어
- <strong>閉まる (shimaru)</strong> is an intransitive verb meaning 'to close'.
- It's used when the subject closes by itself (doors, shops, windows).
- Distinguish it from the transitive <strong>閉める (shimeru)</strong> ('to close something').
- Commonly used for daily operations of businesses and physical objects.
Hey there! Let's dive into the Japanese verb 閉まる (shimaru). This word is super handy for talking about things that close on their own. Think of a door gently shutting, a shop finishing its business for the day, or even your eyes closing when you're sleepy. It's the intransitive version of 'to close,' meaning the subject itself performs the action of closing, rather than something else closing it.
Unlike its transitive counterpart, 閉める (shimeru), which means 'to close something' (like 'I close the door'), 閉まる (shimaru) describes the state of being closed or the action of closing happening without an external agent actively doing it. It's all about the thing itself doing the closing. For instance, the gate 閉まる (shimaru) means 'the gate closes,' not 'someone closes the gate.' This distinction is key in Japanese grammar!
We use 閉まる (shimaru) in everyday situations, from talking about the weather affecting windows to discussing the operating hours of businesses. Understanding this verb helps you paint a clearer picture of actions and states in Japanese. So, whether it's a book closing or a market closing, 閉まる (shimaru) has got you covered!
The verb 閉まる (shimaru), like many Japanese verbs, has roots in ancient Japanese language. Its kanji character, 閉, itself signifies 'to close' or 'to shut.' This character has a long history, appearing in classical Chinese texts and evolving over centuries.
In Japanese, the distinction between transitive and intransitive verbs is crucial, and 閉まる (shimaru) is a classic example of an intransitive verb. Its transitive counterpart, 閉める (shimeru), shares the same kanji but has a different pronunciation and grammatical function. This pairing often arises from the natural world: things close (shimaru) and people close things (shimeru).
Historically, the usage of 閉まる (shimaru) would have been observed in daily life – gates closing, eyes closing, shops closing. The evolution of society and language meant that these verbs became standardized in their forms. While the core meaning remains consistent, the way we express these actions has been refined over time. Fun fact: The character 閉 itself is composed of elements that suggest enclosure or blocking, reinforcing the idea of shutting something off.
閉まる (shimaru) is used when something closes by itself or when referring to the state of being closed. It's the go-to verb for doors, windows, gates, shops, and even eyes when they close naturally. Remember, it's intransitive, so the subject is the thing doing the closing.
Common collocations include ドアが閉まる (doa ga shimaru) - 'the door closes,' 窓が閉まる (mado ga shimaru) - 'the window closes,' and 店が閉まる (mise ga shimaru) - 'the shop closes.' You'll also hear 口を閉まる (kuchi o shimaru), which means 'to close one's mouth,' though 黙る (damaru) is more common for 'to be silent.'
In terms of formality, 閉まる (shimaru) is a neutral verb suitable for most situations. You wouldn't typically use it in highly academic writing unless discussing linguistic phenomena, but it's perfect for daily conversations, news reports about business hours, or describing events. The key is to use it when the action of closing happens without someone actively pushing or pulling something shut.
While 閉まる (shimaru) itself isn't heavily featured in many distinct idioms, its meaning of 'closing' or 'shutting' can be part of idiomatic expressions. Here are a few related concepts:
- 口が閉まらない (kuchi ga shimaranai): Literally 'mouth doesn't close.' This idiom means someone talks incessantly, unable to stop talking. Example: 彼女は一度話し出すと口が閉まらないんだ。(Kanojo wa ichido hanashidasu to kuchi ga shimaranai n da.) - Once she starts talking, she can't stop.
- 目をつむる (me o tsumuru): While this uses a different verb (積る - tsumuru, to pile up, but here used for closing eyes), it relates to the idea of closing eyes. It can mean to close one's eyes in prayer, sleep, or to feign ignorance. Example: 彼は不正を見て見ぬふりをして目をつむった。(Kare wa fusei o mite minu furi o shite me o tsumutta.) - He pretended not to see the corruption and closed his eyes (to it).
- 門が閉まる (mon ga shimaru): Literally 'the gate closes.' This can be used metaphorically to mean an opportunity is lost or a chance has passed. Example: 締め切りが過ぎて、応募の門が閉まった。(Shimekiri ga sugite, oubo no mon ga shimatta.) - The deadline passed, and the gate for applications closed.
- シャッターが閉まる (shattā ga shimaru): 'The shutter closes.' This is often used metaphorically to indicate the end of something, like a business closing down permanently or a period ending. Example: その古い映画館はついにシャッターが閉まった。(Sono furui eigakan wa tsuini shattā ga shimatta.) - That old movie theater finally closed its shutters.
- 腹に一物ある (hara ni ichimotsu aru): While not directly using 閉まる, this idiom implies something is 'closed off' or hidden within someone's stomach/heart. It means someone has ulterior motives or is hiding something. Example: 彼の笑顔の裏には腹に一物あるように見えた。(Kare no egao no ura ni wa hara ni ichimotsu aru you ni mieta.) - Behind his smile, he seemed to have something hidden.
閉まる (shimaru) is a Group 1 (u-verb) verb in Japanese. This means its stem ends in a 'u' sound, and it conjugates accordingly. The dictionary form is 閉まる (shimaru). The polite form is 閉まります (shimarimasu).
Past tense: 閉まった (shimatta). Polite past tense: 閉まりました (shimarimashita). Negative: 閉まらない (shimaranai). Polite negative: 閉まりません (shimarimasen). Potential form: 閉まれる (shamare ru) (though less common, usually 閉められる (shimerareru) is used for the transitive potential). Imperative: 閉まれ (shimare) (rarely used).
Pronunciation: The standard pronunciation is shi-ma-ru. In Japanese, vowels are generally pure and short. The 'shi' sound is similar to the English 'shee' but with the tongue slightly further back. 'Ma' is like the English 'mah,' and 'ru' is a tapped 'r' sound, similar to the 'tt' in 'butter' in American English, or a light flap of the tongue against the roof of the mouth.
Rhyming words are less common in Japanese due to its syllable structure, but words ending in '-aru' or '-maru' might share some phonetic qualities. Examples include 分かる (wakaru) - to understand, 掛かる (kakaru) - to hang/take time, 止まる (tomaru) - to stop.
Fun Fact
The kanji 閉 itself is composed of elements suggesting enclosure or blocking, reinforcing the meaning of shutting something off.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'shi-MAH-roo', with a clear 'shi' sound and a slightly rolled 'r'.
Sounds like 'shi-MAH-roo', similar to UK but the 'r' might be less rolled.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing 'shi' too sharply.
- Making the 'u' sound at the end too long.
- Confusing the 'r' sound with an English 'l' or hard 'r'.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to read in basic contexts, requires attention to nuance in advanced usage.
Straightforward in basic sentences, requires careful distinction from transitive verbs for accuracy.
Commonly used, but correct usage depends on understanding intransitive nature.
Easily recognizable when heard in context.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
고급
Grammar to Know
Transitive vs. Intransitive Verbs
ドアが閉まる (doa ga shimaru) vs. ドアを閉める (doa o shimeru)
Particles: が (ga) vs. を (o)
Subject marker が with intransitive verbs, object marker を with transitive verbs.
Verb Conjugation (Group 1/u-verbs)
shimaru -> shimarimasu -> shimatta
Examples by Level
ドアが閉まる。
Door GA closes.
Subject + が + Verb
店が閉まる。
Shop GA closes.
Subject + が + Verb
窓が閉まる。
Window GA closes.
Subject + が + Verb
時間です。閉まる。
Time is. Close.
Simple statement
これは閉まる。
This GA closes.
Pronoun as subject
自動ドアが閉まる。
Automatic door GA closes.
Adjective + Noun as subject
早く閉まる。
Quickly closes.
Adverb + Verb
静かに閉まる。
Quietly closes.
Adverb + Verb
公園の門が閉まる時間です。
Park's gate GA closes time is.
Possessive + Subject + Verb + Time
雨が降ってきたので、窓を閉めました。
Rain GA fell because, window (object) closed (past).
Cause and effect sentence, uses transitive verb 'shimeru' here
この店は夜9時に閉まります。
This shop WA night 9 at closes.
Subject + Time + Polite Verb
私の部屋のドアが閉まった。
My room's door GA closed (past).
Possessive + Subject + Past Verb
危ない！ドアが閉まるよ！
Dangerous! Door GA closes! (warning)
Exclamation + Warning
学校は午後5時に閉まる。
School WA afternoon 5 at closes.
Subject + Time + Verb
自動ドアがゆっくり閉まる。
Automatic door GA slowly closes.
Subject + Adverb + Verb
彼が来る前に、店が閉まった。
He GA comes before, shop GA closed (past).
Time clause + Subject + Past Verb
閉店時間になると、店のシャッターが自動で閉まる。
Closing time becomes, shop's shutter GA automatically closes.
Temporal clause + Subject + Adverb + Verb
強風で窓がガタガタ鳴って、危うく閉まりそうになった。
Strong wind by window GA rattling, almost closed (potential).
Cause + Subject + Potential Verb
この図書館は日曜日には閉まるので注意してください。
This library WA Sundays on closes so please be careful.
Subject + Condition + Caution
会議が終わると、部屋のドアは自然に閉まった。
Meeting finishes when, room's door WA naturally closed (past).
Temporal clause + Subject + Adverb + Past Verb
彼の心はまるで固く閉まった扉のようだ。
His heart WA like firmly closed door is.
Metaphorical usage
閉まる直前に駆け込んだら、間に合った。
Closing just before rushed in if, it was in time.
Conditional clause + Result
子供が一人で遊んでいる間に、玄関のドアが閉まってしまった。
Child alone playing during, entrance's door GA closed (past, regrettable).
Temporal clause + Subject + Regrettable Past Verb
この古い城は夕方6時に閉まるので、それまでに見学を終えなければならない。
This old castle WA evening 6 at closes so, until then sightseeing must finish.
Subject + Time + Obligation
悪天候のため、多くの公共施設が臨時閉鎖されることになった。
Bad weather because, many public facilities GA temporarily closed will be.
Passive voice (される) used with closure
彼の態度は、まるで心を閉ざしたかのように冷たかった。
His attitude WA like heart closed (past) as if cold was.
Figurative use comparing attitude to closure
締め切りが近づくにつれて、応募者の熱意も閉まることなく高まっていった。
Deadline approaches as, applicants' enthusiasm also closes without rises.
Negative potential (閉まることなく) implies continuous action
かつて賑わっていた商店街も、近年は閉店する店が増え、寂しく閉まるばかりだ。
Once bustling shopping street also, in recent years closing shops increase, sadly close only.
Describes a trend of closure
その劇作家は、登場人物の心理描写において、感情が閉まった状態を巧みに描いた。
That playwright WA, characters' psychological depiction in, emotions GA closed state WA skillfully depicted.
Describes a psychological state of closure
閉まる間際駆け込むのは危険だという警告が、入り口に掲示されていた。
Closing just before rushing in is dangerous that warning WA, entrance on posted was.
Noun phrase derived from verb + warning
彼の言葉は、まるで固く閉まった心の扉を開ける鍵のようだった。
His words WA like firmly closed heart's door opens key like was.
Metaphorical comparison
この地域では、多くの商店が後継者不足により、静かに閉まる運命にある。
This region in, many shops WA successor shortage due to, quietly close fate in are.
Describes a common reason for closure
時代の変遷とともに、かつての活気は失われ、多くの老舗が静かにその幕を閉まる。
Era's transition with, former vibrancy WA lost, many long-established shops WA quietly their curtain closes.
Figurative use of 'curtain closes'
彼は感情の起伏をほとんど見せず、まるで内面世界が閉まった金庫のようだった。
He emotion's ups and downs WA almost showed not, like inner world WA closed vault like was.
Metaphor for emotional unavailability
この法案の成立は、特定業界にとっては事業継続の道が閉まることを意味する。
This bill's enactment WA, specific industry for WA business continuation's path GA closes that means.
Abstract concept of opportunity closing
彼女の文学作品は、登場人物が抱える閉塞感や、社会からの疎外感を巧みに描き出しており、読者の心に深く響く。
Her literary works WA, characters have sense of blockage and, society from alienation WA skillfully depict, readers' hearts in deeply resonate.
Describes a state of feeling closed off
閉まる間際まで粘る姿勢は評価されるべきだが、時としてそれが新たな機会を閉ざしてしまうこともある。
Closing just before until persist attitude WA praised should be, but sometimes that new opportunities closes sometimes does.
Discusses the double-edged nature of persistence
その政治家の発言は、国民の間に不信感を醸成し、対話の扉を閉まる結果となった。
That politician's statement WA, people among distrust WA fostered, dialogue's door WA closes result became.
Metaphor for damaged communication
長年地域に根差してきた商店が次々と閉まる光景は、地方経済の衰退を象徴している。
Many years region in rooted shops GA one after another close scene WA, regional economy's decline WA symbolizes.
Symbolic representation of economic decline
彼は自らの過去の過ちから目を閉まることなく、教訓を得て未来へと歩みを進めた。
He his own past mistakes from eyes WA closes without, lessons gained future towards steps moved forward.
Figurative use of 'closing eyes' to mean ignoring
その芸術家の作品群は、鑑賞者をして自らの内面世界へと深く沈潜させ、外界からの隔絶、すなわち精神的な閉鎖状態へと誘う。
That artist's works WA, viewers make their own inner world into deeply sink, outer world from isolation, namely mental closure state into invites.
Sophisticated description of psychological closure
グローバル化の波は、一方で新たな交流を促進するが、他方で地域文化の独自性を希薄化させ、固有のものが閉まるという危惧も生じさせている。
Globalization's wave WA, on one hand new exchange promotes, but on other hand regional culture's uniqueness weakens, unique things WA close that fear also is causing.
Discusses cultural closure due to globalization
彼の哲学は、理性による世界の理解を絶対視するあまり、直観や感情といった非合理的な領域を閉ざしてしまう傾向にある。
His philosophy WA, reason by world's understanding WA absolute view too much, intuition and emotion like irrational domains WA closes tendency in is.
Critique of philosophical exclusivity
閉鎖的なコミュニティにおいては、外部からの情報が遮断され、内部論理のみが肥大化し、一種の認識的閉鎖状態が形成される。
Closed community in WA, external from information WA blocked, internal logic only WA hypertrophies, a type of cognitive closure state WA is formed.
Analysis of insular social dynamics
かつては自由闊達な議論が交わされたその学会も、近年は特定の思想が支配的となり、異論を挟む余地が閉まる一方である。
Once free and open discussion WA exchanged that academic society WA, in recent years WA specific ideology WA dominant became, dissenting opinions insert room WA closes on one hand is.
Describes intellectual closure within an academic field
彼の小説における登場人物たちは、しばしば自己欺瞞という名の厚い壁に閉ざされ、真実の自己認識から遠く隔絶されている。
His novels in characters WA, often self-deception named thick wall by WA closed, true self-awareness from far isolated are.
Psychological metaphor for self-imposed closure
この歴史的建造物は、時の経過とともにその本来の機能を失い、現在は観光資源としてのみ存続しており、かつての役割は静かに閉まったと言えるだろう。
This historical building WA, time's passage with its original function WA lost, currently tourism resource as only exists, former role WA quietly closed can be said.
Reflects on the closure of a historical function
閉まる寸前の列車に飛び乗るという行為は、しばしば人生における最後のチャンスを掴もうとする人間の焦燥感を象徴している。
Closing just before train WA jump onto action WA, often life in last chance grasp try human's anxiety WA symbolizes.
Symbolic representation of seizing a final opportunity
자주 쓰는 조합
Idioms & Expressions
"口が閉まらない (kuchi ga shimaranai)"
To talk non-stop; unable to stop talking.
彼女は一度話し出すと、まるで止まらないように口が閉まらない。
casual"門が閉まる (mon ga shimaru)"
An opportunity closes; a chance is lost.
締め切りが過ぎて、応募の門が閉まった。
neutral"シャッターが閉まる (shattā ga shimaru)"
To close down permanently (often used for businesses); the end of an era.
あの古い映画館は、ついにシャッターが閉まった。
neutral"心を閉ざす (kokoro o tozasu)"
To shut one's heart; to become emotionally closed off.
彼は傷ついた後、心を閉ざしてしまった。
neutral"目をつむる (me o tsumuru)"
To close one's eyes (literally or figuratively, to overlook something).
不正を見て見ぬふりをして目をつむった。
neutral"腹に一物ある (hara ni ichimotsu aru)"
To have ulterior motives; to be hiding something.
彼の親切な態度の裏には、何か腹に一物あるように感じた。
neutralEasily Confused
Same pronunciation (shimaru) and similar concept of 'closing' or 'tightening'.
閉まる means to close (doors, shops). 締まる means to tighten (a belt, a knot) or to become serious/neat.
ベルトが<strong>締まる</strong>。(The belt tightens.) vs. ドアが<strong>閉まる</strong>。(The door closes.)
Same kanji root and meaning 'to close'.
閉める is transitive (closes something). 閉まる is intransitive (closes by itself).
私がドアを<strong>閉める</strong>。(I close the door.) vs. ドアが<strong>閉まる</strong>。(The door closes.)
Also means 'to close'.
閉じる is often used for books, eyes, meetings, or figurative closures. 閉まる is more common for doors, windows, gates, and shops.
本を<strong>閉じる</strong>。(Close a book.) vs. 店が<strong>閉まる</strong>。(The shop closes.)
Related concept, as closing often signifies an end.
終わる means 'to end' or 'to finish' (an event, a task). 閉まる specifically refers to the physical act of closing or a business ceasing operations for the day.
会議が<strong>終わる</strong>。(The meeting ends.) vs. 会議室が<strong>閉まる</strong>。(The meeting room closes - less common, implies physical closure).
Sentence Patterns
Subject + が + 閉まる
自動ドア<strong>が</strong>閉まります。(The automatic door closes.)
Time + に + 閉まる
店は夜9時<strong>に</strong>閉まる。(The shop closes at 9 PM.)
Adverb + 閉まる
ドアが静か<strong>に</strong>閉まった。(The door closed quietly.)
Noun + の + Subject + が + 閉まる
公園<strong>の</strong>門<strong>が</strong>閉まる。(The park's gate closes.)
Condition/Clause + 閉まる
雨が降ってきたので、窓<strong>が</strong>閉まった。(Because it started raining, the window closed.)
어휘 가족
Nouns
Verbs
관련
How to Use It
Formality Scale
자주 하는 실수
閉まる is intransitive (the subject closes itself), while 閉める is transitive (the subject closes an object). For example, 'The door closes' is ドアが閉まる (doa ga shimaru), but 'I close the door' is ドアを閉める (doa o shimeru).
Although pronounced the same, the kanji have different meanings. 閉 means 'to close/shut,' while 締 means 'to tighten/fasten' or 'to become serious.'
While other particles might appear in complex sentences, the basic structure for 'The door closes' is ドア<strong>が</strong>閉まる (doa <strong>ga</strong> shimaru). Using を (o) would imply transitivity.
閉まる usually refers to the daily closing of a shop. For a permanent closure, more specific terms like 閉鎖する (to shut down) or 閉店する (to close a store) are appropriate.
While a shop closing (閉まる) means its business day ends (終わる), 終わる is used for events, tasks, and periods, not physical objects closing.
Tips
Sound Association
Think of the 'shi' sound like a 'shhh!' sound, as if telling something to close quietly. Combine it with 'maru' (circle/round), imagining a round door closing.
Subject is Key!
Always remember that 閉まる is intransitive. The thing that is closing is the subject (marked by が). It's not 'I close the door,' but 'The door closes.'
Daily Rhythms
Notice how often 'closing times' are mentioned in Japan. Understanding 閉まる helps you grasp the daily rhythm of shops and services.
Transitive vs. Intransitive
Mastering the difference between 閉まる (intransitive) and 閉める (transitive) is crucial. Create pairs of sentences: 'The window closes' (窓が閉まる) vs. 'I close the window' (窓を閉める).
Clear Syllables
Pronounce each syllable clearly: shi-ma-ru. Avoid slurring. The 'r' sound is a light flap, not a hard English 'r'.
Don't Use for Permanent Closure
Remember, 閉まる is usually for temporary or daily closures. For permanent shutdowns, use 閉鎖する or 閉店する.
Kanji Clues
The kanji 閉 itself visually suggests something being shut or blocked, reinforcing its meaning.
Flashcard Pairs
Make flashcards with 閉まる on one side and its definition/examples on the other. Include its antonyms (開く/開ける) on the back for contrast.
Notice in Anime/Dramas
Pay attention when characters say '閉まる!' or mention closing times. It's a very common verb in everyday dialogue.
Beyond the Literal
Explore how 閉まる and related concepts can describe emotional states or the end of opportunities in literature and more complex conversations.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a door 'shimmying' shut all by itself.
Visual Association
Picture a door with a small, independent 'shimmy' action closing it.
Word Web
챌린지
Try to notice five things that 'shimaru' in your environment today (doors, windows, shops, etc.).
어원
Japanese
Original meaning: The kanji 閉 originally depicted a door or gate being shut.
문화적 맥락
No specific cultural sensitivities are associated with this word, other than the general politeness conventions in Japanese.
In English-speaking cultures, 'closing' often implies an action by someone. The Japanese 閉まる emphasizes the subject's own action or state, reflecting a linguistic focus on the nature of the action itself.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Daily life (home/outdoors)
- ドアが閉まる (doa ga shimaru) - The door closes
- 窓が閉まる (mado ga shimaru) - The window closes
- 門が閉まる (mon ga shimaru) - The gate closes
Shopping/Business
- 店が閉まる (mise ga shimaru) - The shop closes
- デパートが閉まる (depāto ga shimaru) - The department store closes
- 閉店時間 (heiten jikan) - Closing time
Public Facilities
- 図書館が閉まる (toshokan ga shimaru) - The library closes
- 公園が閉まる (kōen ga shimaru) - The park closes
- 臨時閉鎖 (rinji heisa) - Temporary closure
Figurative/Abstract
- 心を閉ざす (kokoro o tozasu) - To close one's heart
- 機会が閉まる (kikai ga shimaru) - An opportunity closes (less common, metaphorical)
Conversation Starters
"もうすぐ店が閉まる時間だね。何か買うものはある？"
"今日の天気だと、窓が閉まらないと危ないかもしれないね。"
"この建物は夜何時に閉まるんですか？"
"子供の頃、一人で遊んでいる間にドアが閉まってしまって怖かった経験があるんだ。"
"昔はもっと遅くまで開いていたお店も、最近は早く閉まるようになったね。"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time a door or gate closed unexpectedly on you. What happened?
Think about a shop you like. What time does it close, and how does that closing time affect your routine?
Reflect on a situation where you felt emotionally 'closed off'. What caused it, and how did it feel?
Imagine a place that has permanently closed down. Describe what it was like when it was open and what it's like now.
자주 묻는 질문
8 질문閉まる (shimaru) is intransitive, meaning the subject closes itself (e.g., 'The door closes'). 閉める (shimeru) is transitive, meaning the subject closes an object (e.g., 'I close the door').
While technically possible, it's more common to use 閉じる (tojiru) for closing books, eyes, or meetings. 閉まる is typically for doors, windows, gates, and establishments.
You can say 店が閉まった (mise ga shimatta - past tense) or 店は閉まっています (mise wa shimatte imasu - present continuous/state). For permanent closure, use 店が閉店した (mise ga heiten shita).
Yes, you can say 目が閉まる (me ga shimaru) meaning 'eyes close' (e.g., when sleepy). However, 目を閉じる (me o tojiru) is also very common and perhaps more natural for the act of closing one's eyes.
It means the business is closing for the day, ending its operating hours. For example, 'The bank closes at 3 PM' is 銀行は3時に閉まります (Ginkō wa sanji ni shimarimasu).
While a road can be 'closed,' it's more common to use 閉鎖 (heisa) or 通行止め (tsūkōdome) for roads, especially for official closures due to accidents or weather.
The past tense is 閉まった (shimatta).
Yes, it can be used metaphorically to describe opportunities closing, hearts becoming closed off (though 心を閉ざす is more common), or situations becoming restricted.
셀프 테스트
The shop ______ at 8 PM.
The sentence describes the shop finishing its business for the day, which means it closes.
Which Japanese sentence means 'The door closes'?
ドアが閉まる uses the intransitive verb 閉まる (shimaru) for the door closing by itself.
The verb 閉まる (shimaru) is used when someone actively closes a book.
閉まる is intransitive (the subject closes itself). To say 'Someone closes a book,' you would use the transitive verb 閉じる (tojiru) or 閉める (shimeru).
Word
뜻
These pairs match common Japanese phrases using 閉まる with their English meanings.
The correct sentence is '公園の門が午後6時に閉まる' (The park's gate closes at 6 PM). The particle 'の' (no) connects 'park' and 'gate'.
悪天候のため、多くの道路が ______ されました。
The context implies roads being shut down due to bad weather, making 閉鎖 (heisa - closure) the most appropriate term, often used in passive or noun form.
Which phrase best describes a business closing down permanently?
店が閉まる is for daily closing. 店が閉鎖する implies a more permanent shutdown.
彼の態度は、まるで心を ______ 金庫のようだった。
心を閉ざす (kokoro o tozasu) is an idiom meaning 'to shut one's heart,' fitting the context of emotional unavailability.
The verb 閉まる (shimaru) can be used metaphorically to describe the closing off of abstract concepts like opportunities or communication.
While not always the most common phrasing, 閉まる and related concepts can be used metaphorically in advanced contexts to signify the cessation or blocking of abstract ideas.
グローバル化の進展により、地域文化の独自性が ______ される懸念がある。
The context discusses the weakening ('dilution') of unique regional cultures due to globalization, making 希薄化 (kihakuka - dilution/weakening) the most fitting term.
점수: /10
Summary
Mastering 閉まる (shimaru) requires understanding its intransitive nature – the subject does the closing!
- <strong>閉まる (shimaru)</strong> is an intransitive verb meaning 'to close'.
- It's used when the subject closes by itself (doors, shops, windows).
- Distinguish it from the transitive <strong>閉める (shimeru)</strong> ('to close something').
- Commonly used for daily operations of businesses and physical objects.
Sound Association
Think of the 'shi' sound like a 'shhh!' sound, as if telling something to close quietly. Combine it with 'maru' (circle/round), imagining a round door closing.
Subject is Key!
Always remember that 閉まる is intransitive. The thing that is closing is the subject (marked by が). It's not 'I close the door,' but 'The door closes.'
Daily Rhythms
Notice how often 'closing times' are mentioned in Japan. Understanding 閉まる helps you grasp the daily rhythm of shops and services.
Transitive vs. Intransitive
Mastering the difference between 閉まる (intransitive) and 閉める (transitive) is crucial. Create pairs of sentences: 'The window closes' (窓が閉まる) vs. 'I close the window' (窓を閉める).
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