Translation guide
Expresses that something is shut, not open, or not operating. Japanese uses different verbs and adjectives depending on what is closed and whether it is a state or an action.
Describe that something is in a closed state.
The most common way to say something is closed (state). Uses the te-iru form of 閉まる (intransitive).
ドアが閉まっている。
The door is closed.
窓が閉まっているか確認して。
Check if the windows are closed.
Also means 'is closed', often used for eyes, books, or things that fold shut. Slightly more formal/literary than 閉まっている.
彼女は目を閉じている。
She has her eyes closed.
その本は閉じている。
The book is closed.
Used for facilities, roads, or accounts being officially closed/shut down. Formal.
空港が閉鎖されている。
The airport is closed.
Say that a business is not operating or has shut for the day.
The standard way to say a shop is closed (not open now).
店はもう閉まっている。
The store is already closed.
Literally 'not doing business'. More explicit and slightly formal.
今日は営業していない。
They are closed today.
Means 'it's a regular holiday'. Used when a shop is closed on its usual day off.
水曜日は定休日だ。
They are closed on Wednesdays.
Express that someone closes something.
Transitive verb for closing doors, windows, etc.
ドアを閉めてください。
Please close the door.
Transitive verb for closing eyes, books, umbrellas, etc.
Say that a route is impassable or closed off.
Standard phrase for a road being closed to traffic.
この先は通行止めだ。
The road ahead is closed.
Used for official closure of roads or facilities.
高速道路が閉鎖されている。
The highway is closed.
Describe a person who is not receptive.
Literally 'closing one's heart'. Means emotionally closed off or unwilling to communicate.
彼は心を閉ざしている。
He is closed off.
Describes a person or group as exclusive or insular.
あのコミュニティは閉鎖的だ。
That community is closed-minded.
閉まる is intransitive (something closes by itself), 閉める is transitive (someone closes something). 閉じる can be both intransitive and transitive, but is often used for things that fold or come together like eyes, books, or umbrellas. 閉まっている is the most common way to say 'is closed' for doors and shops.
When a shop is closed (not open for business), use 閉まっている (state). Using 閉める would mean someone is actively closing the shop right now.
Close the book.