Japanese word of the day: 閉める (Shimeru)

What does 閉める (Shimeru) mean?

閉める (Shimeru) (る-verb, transitive) – To close; to shut. This verb is used when you close something like a door, window, lid, or even a book. It’s a basic action word you’ll use every day, whether you’re at home, work, or out and about.

Kanji details for 閉

Character: 閉 — closed, shut
Radical: gate 門

Example sentences with 閉める (Shimeru)

• ドアを閉めてください。
  (Doa o shimete kudasai.)
  🚪 Please close the door.

• 窓を閉めるのを忘れないでね。
  (Mado o shimeru no o wasurenaide ne.)
  🪟 Don’t forget to close the window.

• 本を閉めました。
  (Hon o shimemashita.)
  📖 I closed the book.

Confused about how to conjugate 閉める?
Our conjugation tables can help.

閉める (Shimeru) in context

閉める is a must-know verb for daily life in Japan. Use it whenever you’re shutting something—doors, windows, books, or even containers. It’s polite to close doors and windows behind you, especially in shared spaces or when leaving a room.

Don’t confuse 閉める (shimeru, to close) with 締める (also shimeru, to tighten or fasten), which is used for things like belts or lids. Both are pronounced the same but have different kanji and meanings.

Whether you’re keeping out the cold, securing your home, or just tidying up, 閉める is the word for closing things up in Japanese.