Translation guide
The English phrase "closing down" can refer to a business permanently ceasing operations, a temporary shutdown, or the act of shutting something. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for these situations.
To say that a shop, company, or organization is going out of business permanently.
Literally 'close store'. The most common and neutral way to say a shop or restaurant is closing down permanently.
I heard that store is closing down next month.
Means 'to go out of business' or 'to discontinue a business'. Used for companies or self-employed people ceasing operations entirely.
We had to close down due to financial difficulties.
Specifically means 'to go bankrupt'. Use when the closure is due to insolvency.
That company went bankrupt (closed down).
A colloquial expression meaning 'to close up shop', often implying permanent closure. Literally 'to fold up the shop'.
It's hard to close down a shop you've run for years.
To say that a business or facility is closing for the day or for a temporary period.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to close/shut'. Used for shops, doors, etc. For a shop closing at the end of the day, this is the most natural choice.
What time does this shop close?
Can also be used for the daily closing of a shop, though it can imply permanence. Context clarifies.
We have closed for today.
Means 'to suspend business' or 'to be closed for a period'. Used for temporary closures like holidays or renovations.
We will be closed tomorrow.
To turn off or terminate the operation of a computer, machine, or system.
To bring an activity, event, or operation to an end.
閉店する (heiten suru) is a transitive verb phrase meaning 'to close a shop' (the owner/manager closes it). 閉まる (shimaru) is intransitive, meaning 'to be closed' (the shop is closed). For daily closing, 閉まる is more common in casual speech, while 閉店する is often used in announcements.
The English 'closing down' can sound like 'moving downwards' if translated literally. Do not use 下に閉じる or similar. Stick to the expressions above.
It's already closed.
It closed down its long history.