Meaning

Primary

To Close

Alternative

To Shut

Word Type

intransitive verb, godan verb

Explanation

If 閉める is "to close something" or "to shut something," then this is going to be the version where you don't do anything and something closes on its own. That's why this is to close or to shut. You remember this because the door keeps shutting on your hand, marring (まる) it over and over again. Ouch.

Reading

しまる
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

The reading is the same as 閉める.

Context

Pattern of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • ドアが閉まる

    the door closes

    店が閉まる

    the shop closes

    シャッターが閉まる

    the shutter closes

    フタが閉まる

    the lid closes

    カギが閉まる

    the lock locks

Context Sentences

このフタ、うまく閉まらないんだけど。

This lid doesn't close properly.

あのお店、何時に閉まるんだっけ?

What time was it that the store closes?

急に、とびらがひとりでに閉まりました。

Suddenly, the door closed by itself.

げ、カギが閉まってる!

Shoot, it's locked!

Kanji Composition