Japanese word

締める

Pronunciation

Romajishimeru

Meaning

  • verbfasten

Example

シートベルトを締めます。shī to be ru to o shi me ma su

I fasten my seat belt.

Illustration for 締める (fasten)

More examples

出発する前に、靴ひもを締めておきます。shup patsu su ru mae ni kutsu hi mo o shi me te o ki ma su

I fasten my shoelaces before I leave.

Core concept

Secures something in place by tying it or making it tight.

Common phrases

  • シートベルトを締めるshī to be ru to o shi me ru

    fasten a seat belt

  • 靴ひもを締めるkutsu hi mo o shi me ru

    tie shoelaces

  • ベルトを締めるbe ru to o shi me ru

    fasten a belt

Similar words

留めるtodomeru: To fasten something so that it stays in a secure position.
結ぶmusubu: To make something secure by tying it with a cord or similar material.
締め付けるshimetsukeru: To tighten something by pulling it closely around or against another object.
締まるshimaru: To reach a tight, secure state through tension or adjustment.

Definition in Japanese

他の物に結びつけたり、力を加えてきつくしたりして、動かないようにする。hoka no mono ni musu bi tsu ke ta ri chikara o kuwa e te ki tsu ku shi ta ri shi te ugo ka na i yō ni su ru

Word origin

As a native Japanese verb, 締める (shimeru, "to fasten or tighten") is historically related to 締む (shimu, "to tighten or become tight"), an older verb with the same core meaning.

Usage tips

  • In conversation, 締める (shimeru, "to fasten or tighten") describes an action, while 締まる (shimaru, "to become tight") describes the thing becoming secure.

Other meanings

  • tieverb
  • tightenverb

Opposites

Related words

  • 締め方shimekataway of fasteningnoun

Word lists with this word