Japanese Conversation · Level 29
90 words
Japanese word
しまう
Pronunciation
Romajishimau
Meaning
- verbclose, put away
Example
店をしまいます。mise o shi ma i ma su
I close the shop.
More examples
おもちゃをしまいます。o mo cha o shi ma i ma su
I put away the toys.
冬になる前に、海の家をしまいます。fuyu ni na ru mae ni umi no ie o shi ma i ma su
We close the beach hut before winter.
Core concept
Brings an activity, place, or object to a closed or settled state.
Common phrases
店をしまうmise o shi ma u
close the shop
Similar words
閉めるshimeru: To stop operating a shop or facility by closing it.
閉じるtojiru: To close a shop or facility for a certain period.
たたむtatamu: To end a business or shop by closing it, often permanently.
Definition in Japanese
店などを閉じたり、物を片付けたりして、物事を終わらせる。mise na do o to ji ta ri mono o kata zu ke ta ri shi te mono goto o o wa ra se ru
Word origin
しまう (shimau) is a native Japanese verb; its common kanji form 仕舞う (shimau) is a written representation, while the verb's older word history is not certain.
Usage tips
- The auxiliary pattern てしまう (te shimau) adds a sense of completion and can also show regret or an unintended result.