Translation guide
The English word 'closed' can describe a physical state (shut, not open), a business being not operating, or a road being blocked. Japanese uses different words and grammar depending on what is closed and the context.
Describing something that is in a shut state, not open.
The most common way to say something is closed/shut. It describes the resulting state of being closed. Use this for doors, windows, lids, etc.
ドアが閉まっている。
The door is closed.
窓は閉まっていますか？
Is the window closed?
Also means 'is closed', but often implies a more deliberate action or a covering type of closure (like a book, eyes, or a folding door). Can be interchangeable with 閉まっている for some objects.
本が閉じている。
The book is closed.
彼は目を閉じている。
He has his eyes closed.
Means 'is closed off' or 'is shut down'. Used for facilities, roads, or areas that are officially closed, often for safety or administrative reasons. Sounds formal.
この道路は閉鎖されています。
This road is closed.
Describing a business that is not currently operating or has ceased operations.
The standard way to say a shop is closed for the day or not open at the moment.
店はもう閉まっている。
The store is already closed.
今日は銀行が閉まっています。
The bank is closed today.
Means 'closed for the day' or 'day off'. Often used in signs or when stating a regular closing day.
Literally 'business finished'. Used on signs or announcements to indicate closing time.
営業終了しました。
We are now closed.
Describing a road, path, or route that is not passable.
The standard term for a road closure. Often seen on signs.
この先、通行止めです。
The road is closed ahead.
Used for roads or areas that are officially closed off.
道路が閉鎖されています。
The road is closed.
Describing an event, meeting, or group that is private or not accepting new members.
Means 'closed to the public' or 'private'. Used for events, meetings, or information.
その会議は非公開です。
The meeting is closed to the public.
Loanword from English, often used in compound terms like クローズドイベント (closed event).
Describing a system, community, or group that is not open to outsiders.
An adjective meaning 'closed' in the sense of being exclusive, insular, or not open to outside influence.
あのコミュニティは閉鎖的だ。
That community is closed.
閉まる is intransitive (something closes by itself or is in a closed state), while 閉める is transitive (someone closes something). 閉じる can be both transitive and intransitive, but often implies a more deliberate or complete closure, like closing a book or eyes. For everyday objects like doors, 閉まっている is the most natural way to say 'is closed'.
閉める (shimeru) is a transitive verb meaning 'to close something'. To say a store is closed (state), use 閉まっている (shimatte iru). Saying 店を閉める means 'I close the store' (action).
今日は休みです。
We are closed today.
定休日は月曜日です。
We are closed on Mondays.
これはクローズドなイベントです。
This is a closed event.