Translation guide
This entry covers how to express the literal action of lowering a curtain (e.g., on a stage or window) and the figurative meaning of bringing something to an end or concealing something.
To pull down or let down a curtain, such as on a stage, window, or doorway.
The most common and natural way to say 'lower the curtain' in a literal sense. Works for stage curtains, window curtains, etc.
舞台のカーテンを下ろしてください。
Please lower the stage curtain.
The sun was too strong, so I lowered the curtain.
Literally 'close the curtain'. Often used for window curtains, implying drawing them closed. Slightly more common for horizontal movement, but can be used for lowering as well.
夜になったので、カーテンを閉めた。
Night fell, so I closed the curtains.
Specifically for a stage curtain (幕). More theatrical and traditional. Often used in the context of theater or performances.
劇の終わりに幕を下ろした。
They lowered the curtain at the end of the play.
To conclude an event, period, or activity, often with a sense of finality.
Literally 'close the curtain', used figuratively to mean 'bring to a close' or 'draw to an end'. Common in news and formal contexts.
長い歴史に幕を閉じた。
It brought its long history to a close.
このイベントは成功裏に幕を閉じました。
This event came to a successful close.
Literally 'pull the curtain', used figuratively to mean 'bring down the curtain' or 'end'. Less common than 幕を閉じる.
彼はそのプロジェクトに幕を引いた。
He brought down the curtain on that project.
To cover up or keep something secret, as if drawing a curtain over it.
Can be used metaphorically to mean 'draw a veil over' or 'cover up'. Often in the phrase 幕を下ろすように.
彼は過去に幕を下ろした。
He drew a curtain over his past.
Means 'to cover up' or 'conceal'. More direct than the curtain metaphor, but conveys the same idea.
彼らは真実を覆い隠そうとした。
They tried to cover up the truth.
Literally 'put a period/full stop', meaning to put an end to something. Stronger nuance of finality.
その事件は彼のキャリアに終止符を打った。
That incident put an end to his career.