Translation guide
The English word 'close' has many meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: shutting something, being near in space or time, ending an event or activity, and describing relationships or similarity. Each meaning is treated separately with natural Japanese options.
To move something so that an opening is covered or blocked.
Transitive verb meaning to shut something. Used for doors, windows, lids, etc.
Please close the door.
May I close the window?
Intransitive verb meaning to shut by itself. Used when something closes automatically or without specifying who does it.
The door closes automatically.
The window closed because of the wind.
Both transitive and intransitive. Often used for books, eyes, mouths, or abstract things like meetings. Slightly more formal than 閉める/閉まる.
Please close the book.
Close your eyes and relax.
Transitive verb meaning to shut firmly, often used for gates, doors, or metaphorically for hearts or minds. Literary or formal.
They firmly closed the gate.
Being a short distance away or happening soon.
Adjective meaning near or close. Used for physical distance, time, relationships, and similarity.
The station is close to here.
The exam is close, so I have to study.
Emphasizes very close proximity. Often used with に or の.
The convenience store is very close by.
Used for events or time that are imminent or right before one's eyes. Often written as 間近に迫る.
Means close in the sense of tightly connected or intimate, often used for relationships or connections. Formal.
To bring something to an end; to finish.
Intransitive verb meaning to end. Used for events, classes, work, etc.
The meeting will close at 5 o'clock.
Transitive verb meaning to finish something. Used when someone actively ends an activity.
Formal verb meaning to close a meeting or ceremony. Used in official contexts.
The chairperson closed the meeting.
Specifically for closing a shop or store for the day.
This store closes at 10.
Describing a strong bond, intimacy, or likeness.
Adjective meaning close or intimate, used for friends or relationships.
He is a close friend.
Phrase meaning to be on good terms, close to each other. Casual.
Those two are very close.
Formal adjective for close connection or relation. Often used in business or academic contexts.
Means 'resemble' or 'be similar'. Used when 'close' means almost the same.
That color is close to red.
閉める (shimeru) is used for sliding or hinged physical objects like doors and windows. 閉じる (tojiru) is used for things that fold or come together, like books, eyes, or umbrellas. 閉じる can also be used for abstract things like meetings or ceremonies, while 閉める cannot.
close the door / close the book
When talking about close relationships, use 親しい (shitashii) or 仲がいい (naka ga ii). Using 閉める would mean 'shut' and sound very strange.
He is a close friend. (incorrect)
He is a close friend. (correct)
The store closes at 9 p.m.
We are very close friends.
Please close the door quietly.
Departure is close at hand.
両国は密接な関係にある。
The two countries have a close relationship.
He closed his speech.
This issue has a close connection to the economy.