閉まる

• Reading: しまる
• Romaji: shimaru
• Kanji breakdown: 閉 (hei/shi) — to close, to shut
• Pronunciation: /ɕi.ma.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To be shut; to close (by itself); to be closed. An intransitive verb describing something closing on its own.

A Group 1 (godan) verb with an る stem. This is the intransitive counterpart of 閉める (shimeru). Used when something closes by itself or when describing the state of being closed, such as shop hours or automatic doors.

Examples

1. この店は八時に閉まります。 This shop closes at eight o'clock.
2. ドアが風で閉まった。 The door closed because of the wind.
3. 銀行はもう閉まっていますか。 Is the bank already closed?

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, shops, transportation

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Old Japanese. Related to 閉める (shimeru, to close). The kanji 閉 depicts a gate being barred shut with a latch.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal