278
閉
Close, Shut
し-める (shi-meru), し-まる (shi-maru), と-じる (to-jiru), と-ざす (to-zasu)
JLPT N3
Interesting Fact
The kanji 閉 appears in words like 閉店 (store closing), 閉会 (closing ceremony), and 閉じる (to close). It always involves something being shut or brought to an end.
Memory Trick
Imagine CLOSING a large wooden gate until it is completely SHUT. Nothing can pass through anymore.
Readings
Onyomi: ヘイ (hei)
Kunyomi: し-める (shi-meru), し-まる (shi-maru), と-じる (to-jiru), と-ざす (to-zasu)
Example Words
閉める
しめる (shimeru)
To close
閉じる
とじる (tojiru)
To close
閉店
へいてん (heiten)
Store closing
閉会
へいかい (heikai)
Closing ceremony
Example Sentence
窓を 閉めてください。
まどを しめてください。
mado o shimete kudasai
Please close the window.