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.
The door is closed.
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.
The book is closed.
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.
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.
The store is already closed.
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.
We are now closed.
Describing a road, path, or route that is not passable.
Describing an event, meeting, or group that is private or not accepting new members.
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.
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.
We are closed on Mondays.
This is a closed event.
I close the store.