閉める

• Reading: しめる
• Romaji: shimeru
• Kanji breakdown: 閉 (hei/shi) — to close, to shut
• Pronunciation: /ɕi.me.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To close; to shut (a door, window, lid, etc.). A transitive verb paired with 開ける (to open).

A Group 2 (ichidan) verb. This is the transitive version, meaning someone actively closes something. The intransitive counterpart is 閉まる (shimaru, to close by itself). Used for doors, windows, shops, and containers.

Examples

1. 寒いから窓を閉めてください。 It's cold, so please close the window.
2. お店は九時に閉めます。 The shop closes at nine o'clock.
3. ドアをちゃんと閉めましたか。 Did you close the door properly?

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, home, requests

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Old Japanese. The kanji 閉 combines 門 (gate) and 才 (a bar or latch), depicting the act of barring a gate shut.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal