Japanese word

閉める

Pronunciation

Romajishimeru

Meaning

  • verbclose

Example

ドアを閉めます。do a o shi me ma su

I close the door.

Illustration for 閉める (close)

More examples

まどを閉めます。ma do o shi me ma su

I close the window.

出かける前に、窓を閉めます。de ka ke ru mae ni mado o shi me ma su

I close the window before going out.

Core concept

Expresses bringing an open passage or container into a closed and secured state.

Common phrases

  • ドアを閉めるdo a o shi me ru

    close the door

  • 窓を閉めるmado o shi me ru

    close the window

  • ふたを閉めるfu ta o shi me ru

    close the lid

Similar words

閉じるtojiru: It makes an open door, window, book, or container become closed.
締めるshimeru: It fastens or tightens something so that it stays closed.

Definition in Japanese

戸や窓、ふたなどを動かして、開いていた所をふさぐ。to ya mado fu ta na do o ugo ka shi te hira i te i ta tokoro o fu sa gu

Word origin

閉める (shimeru) is a native Japanese verb used as the transitive counterpart of 閉まる (shimaru), expressing an action that makes something become closed.

Usage tips

  • The form 閉めて (shimete) makes a casual request, while 閉めてください (shimete kudasai) adds politeness to the same request.

Other meanings

  • shutverb

Opposites

Related words

  • 閉め方shimekataway of closingnoun

Word lists with this word