Translation guide
The English word "closing" can refer to the act of shutting something, the final part of an event or period, or the process of finalizing a deal or account. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each of these meanings.
Expressing the physical action of closing an object like a door, window, or lid.
Transitive verb meaning 'to close' or 'to shut' something. Used for doors, windows, lids, etc.
Please close the door.
May I close the window?
Intransitive verb meaning 'to close' or 'to shut' by itself. Used when something closes automatically or without specifying an agent.
The door closes automatically.
Both transitive and intransitive verb meaning 'to close'. Often used for books, eyes, or abstract things. Slightly more formal than 閉める.
Please close the book.
Close your eyes and relax.
Formal term meaning 'to close down' or 'to shut down' a facility, road, or service. Used in official contexts.
The factory will be closed next month.
Referring to the end or concluding part of something like a ceremony, speech, or business day.
Noun meaning 'end' or 'close'. Commonly used for the end of an event, period, or story.
We sang a song at the closing of the ceremony.
An announcement signaled the closing of the store.
Noun meaning 'closing of a meeting or event'. Often used in formal settings like conferences or ceremonies.
Noun meaning 'conclusion' or 'wrap-up'. Used for the final part that ties everything together, like a summary or final remark.
Noun meaning 'closing of a curtain' or 'end of a performance/event'. Used for theater, festivals, or sports events.
Completing a business transaction, such as a sale, contract, or bank account.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to be concluded' or 'to be reached' (for agreements, deals). Often used in business contexts.
The contract has been closed (concluded).
Transitive verb meaning 'to finalize' or 'to bring together'. Used for closing a deal or negotiation.
Transitive verb meaning 'to cancel' or 'to close' an account or subscription.
To close a bank account.
Formal transitive verb meaning 'to conclude' or 'to sign' a treaty or formal agreement.
The two countries closed (concluded) a peace treaty.
閉める (shimeru) is used for sliding or hinged objects like doors and windows. 閉じる (tojiru) is used for things that fold or come together, like books, eyes, or umbrellas. While there is overlap, using the wrong one can sound unnatural.
Close the door (natural with 閉める, less common with 閉じる)
Close the book (only 閉じる is correct)
English often uses 'closing' as a noun (e.g., 'the closing of the store'). In Japanese, it's more natural to use a verb phrase or a specific noun like 閉店 (heiten) for store closing, rather than directly translating 'closing' as a noun.
I'm closing my account.
閉会の辞を述べる。
To give the closing address.
As the closing of the speech, I expressed my gratitude.
オリンピックの閉幕式は感動的だった。
The closing ceremony of the Olympics was moving.
商談をまとめることができた。
I was able to close the deal.