Japanese word

閉じる

Pronunciation

Romajitojiru

Meaning

  • verbclose

Example

出かける前に窓を閉じます。de ka ke ru mae ni mado o to ji ma su

I close the window before I go out.

Illustration for 閉じる (close)

More examples

ドアを閉じます。do a o to ji ma su

I close the door.

授業が終わったら、本を閉じてください。ju gyō ga o wa tta ra hon o to ji te ku da sa i

Please close your book when the class is over.

Core concept

It marks a move from openness to a contained, shut, or inactive state.

Common phrases

  • ドアを閉じるdo a o to ji ru

    close the door

  • 窓を閉じるmado o to ji ru

    close the window

  • 目を閉じるme o to ji ru

    close one's eyes

Similar words

閉めるshimeru: To put a door, window, or other movable object into a shut position.
閉ざすtozasu: To shut off a route, entrance, or means of access and prevent passage.
ふさぐfusagu: To fill or cover an opening so that passage is blocked.

Definition in Japanese

開いているものを動かして、開いていない状態にする。hira i te i ru mo no o ugo ka shi te hira i te i na i jō tai ni su ru

Word origin

The native Japanese verb 閉じる (tojiru, "to close") is historically connected with 閉づ (tozu, "to close"), an older native form with the same central meaning.

Usage tips

  • The phrase 目を閉じる (me o tojiru, "close one's eyes") is common in descriptions of sleep, concentration, or blocking out light.

Opposites

Related words

  • 閉じ方tojikataway of closingnoun

Word lists with this word