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.
ドアを閉めてください。
Please close the door.
窓を閉めてもいいですか。
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.
ドアが自動で閉まります。
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.
本を閉じてください。
Please close the book.
目を閉じてリラックスしましょう。
Close your eyes and relax.
Formal term meaning 'to close down' or 'to shut down' a facility, road, or service. Used in official contexts.
その工場は来月閉鎖されます。
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.
式の終わりに歌を歌いました。
We sang a song at the closing of the ceremony.
閉店の終わりを知らせるアナウンスが流れた。
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.
契約が成立しました。
The contract has been closed (concluded).
Transitive verb meaning 'to finalize' or 'to bring together'. Used for closing a deal or negotiation.
商談をまとめることができた。
I was able to close the deal.
Transitive verb meaning 'to cancel' or 'to close' an account or subscription.
銀行口座を解約する。
To close a bank account.
Formal transitive verb meaning 'to conclude' or 'to sign' a treaty or formal agreement.
両国は平和条約を締結した。
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.
ドアを閉める (○) / ドアを閉じる (△)
Close the door (natural with 閉める, less common with 閉じる)
本を閉じる (○) / 本を閉める (×)
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.
口座を解約します。
I'm closing my account.
閉会の辞を述べる。
To give the closing address.
スピーチの締めくくりとして、感謝の言葉を述べた。
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.