In 15 Seconds
- Used for physically closing a window in any building or vehicle.
- Combines 'mado' (window) and 'shimeru' (to close something).
- Essential for managing temperature, noise, and privacy in Japan.
Meaning
This phrase is the standard way to say you are shutting a window. Use it whenever you want to block out the cold, the rain, or the noise from the street.
Key Examples
3 of 6Feeling a cold draft in the living room
寒いから、窓を閉めるね。
It's cold, so I'm going to close the window.
Leaving the house for work
出かける前に、全部の窓を閉めました。
I closed all the windows before leaving.
In a formal business meeting with a loud street outside
外がうるさいので、窓を閉めてもよろしいでしょうか。
Since it's noisy outside, would it be alright if I closed the window?
Cultural Background
Closing windows is a sign of respect for neighbors to keep noise contained. In summer, windows are often kept open for ventilation, so closing them is a specific seasonal action.
Particle Power
Always remember {を} for transitive actions!
In 15 Seconds
- Used for physically closing a window in any building or vehicle.
- Combines 'mado' (window) and 'shimeru' (to close something).
- Essential for managing temperature, noise, and privacy in Japan.
What It Means
窓を閉める is a basic but essential phrase. It literally means to shut a window. It combines 窓 (window) and the verb 閉める (to close). This verb is transitive. That means you are the one doing the action. It is the go-to expression for physical windows in houses, cars, or trains.
How To Use It
To use it, just put the object first. 窓 (mado) comes before the particle を (o). Then add the verb 閉める (shimeru). In casual talk, you might say 窓閉めて (Mado shimete) to a friend. In a polite setting, use 窓を閉めます (Mado o shimemasu). If you want to ask someone else to do it politely, try 窓を閉めてください (Mado o shimete kudasai). It is straightforward and hard to mess up!
When To Use It
Use this when the wind gets too strong. Use it when your neighbor starts mowing their lawn at 7 AM. It is perfect for when you are leaving the house. If you are in a taxi and it is too drafty, this is your phrase. You will also hear it in offices when the air conditioning is turned on. It is a very practical, everyday expression.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use 閉める for everything that closes. For books, use 閉じる (tojiru). For your eyes, use 閉じる too. If you are talking about a shop closing for the day, you might use 閉める. But for a shop going out of business, there are other words. Also, do not use it for computer windows! For those, Japanese people usually use the English loanword クローズする or 閉じる.
Cultural Background
Japanese houses often have sliding windows called 引き戸 (hikido). Because Japan has a very humid summer, windows are often kept wide open. However, during typhoon season, 窓を閉める becomes a serious ritual to protect the home. In crowded cities like Tokyo, people are very sensitive about noise. Closing your windows is often seen as a polite way to keep your private life private. It is about being a good neighbor.
Common Variations
If the window closes by itself (like an automatic one), use 窓が閉まる (mado ga shimaru). If you want to say the window is already closed, say 窓が閉まっている (mado ga shimatte iru). For a very formal request, you could say 窓を閉めていただけますか (mado o shimete itadakemasu ka). This means "Would you be so kind as to close the window?" It sounds very elegant and polite.
Usage Notes
This phrase is neutral and safe for all situations. Just remember to use the polite form `閉めます` with strangers or superiors to avoid sounding too blunt.
Particle Power
Always remember {を} for transitive actions!
Examples
6寒いから、窓を閉めるね。
It's cold, so I'm going to close the window.
A very common, casual way to announce your action to family.
出かける前に、全部の窓を閉めました。
I closed all the windows before leaving.
Uses the polite past tense 'shimemashita' for a general statement.
外がうるさいので、窓を閉めてもよろしいでしょうか。
Since it's noisy outside, would it be alright if I closed the window?
A very professional way to ask for permission.
雨だよ！窓閉めて！
It's raining! Close the windows!
Short, urgent command used between close friends or family.
虫が来た！早く窓を閉めて！
A bug came in! Hurry, close the window!
Expresses panic and humor in a relatable domestic situation.
一人になりたくて、静かに窓を閉めた。
I wanted to be alone, so I quietly closed the window.
Shows the phrase used in a more narrative, introspective way.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct particle.
窓___閉めてください。
The object marker {を|o} is used with the transitive verb {閉める|しめる}.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
1 exercises窓___閉めてください。
The object marker {を|o} is used with the transitive verb {閉める|しめる}.
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsNo, use {ドアを閉める}.
Related Phrases
窓を開ける
contrastTo open the window
ドアを閉める
similarTo close the door
