Meaning
Welcome, language learner! We'll explore the versatile kanji 閉. Fundamentally, 閉 means 'close,' 'shut,' or 'block.' This is a kanji you'll encounter frequently in daily life, whether you're closing a door, shutting a book, or talking about a shop closing for the day. It describes the action of bringing something to a closed state or condition, often implying an ending or a sealing.
This kanji's meaning is conveyed through its components. The prominent left part is 門, which literally means 'gate' or 'door,' like a grand entrance. The right component, though simplified in its modern form, historically depicted a crossbar, a latch, or a tool used to secure a gate. Together, these components form a clear picture: a gate (門) being fastened, barred, or blocked by the right part, resulting in it being 'closed' or 'shut.'
Once you understand its components, you'll see how logical and visual this kanji is! The act of closing a physical barrier like a gate perfectly encapsulates its core meaning. You'll find 閉 in many contexts, from simple everyday actions like closing a window to more formal situations like the closing of a meeting or a facility. Understanding this kanji offers insight into the Japanese concept of 'closure.'
The kanji 閉 has 11 strokes and is typically taught to students in the 5th grade in Japanese elementary schools. For Japanese language learners, it's considered a comfortable JLPT N3 level kanji.
Readings
Like many kanji, 閉 has both On'yomi (Chinese-derived) and Kun'yomi (native Japanese) readings. Distinguishing when to use each is essential for mastery.
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The primary On'yomi for 閉 is ヘイ (hei). This reading is typically used when 閉 is part of a larger compound word, especially in more formal, abstract, or noun-like contexts. Think of it as the 'official' closing of something, or the state of being closed.
- 閉会 (heikai) — This means the closing or adjournment of a meeting, session, or ceremony. It signifies the formal conclusion of an event, such as a parliament session or a sports competition.
- 閉鎖 (heisa) — This refers to closure, shutdown, or lockout. It often implies something being closed permanently or temporarily due to a decision, like a factory closing down, a road being shut due to construction, or a website being taken offline.
- 閉眼 (heigan) — This literally means closing one's eyes. It can be used in a medical context, such as a patient's eyes being closed, or sometimes metaphorically, though less commonly, for death.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The Kun'yomi readings are verbs that directly describe the action of closing. These are the readings you'll use most often in everyday conversation!
とじる (tojiru) — This is a transitive verb meaning 'to close,' often used for things like books, eyes, or a discussion. It can imply a more gentle or temporary closing.
本を閉じる (hon o tojiru) — to close a book
目を閉じる (me o tojiru) — to close one's eyes (often for sleep or meditation)
口を閉じる (kuchi o tojiru) — to close one's mouth (to stop speaking)
しめる (shimeru) — This is a transitive verb meaning 'to close' or 'to shut' something, often a physical object like a door, window, or a shop. It implies a direct, intentional action by someone.
ドアを閉める (doa o shimeru) — to close a door
窓を閉める (mado o shimeru) — to close a window (e.g., because it's cold)
店を閉める (mise o shimeru) — to close a shop (for the day or permanently)
しまる (shimaru) — This is an intransitive verb meaning 'to close' or 'to be shut.' It describes the state of something being closed, or closing on its own without a direct agent.
ドアが閉まる (doa ga shimaru) — the door closes (e.g., by itself, or it is in a closed state)
店が閉まる (mise ga shimaru) — the shop closes / is closed (e.g., at the end of business hours)
とざす (tozasu) — This is a transitive verb meaning 'to shut,' 'to close off,' or 'to seal.' It often carries a stronger, more complete, or more emphatic nuance than とじる. It's frequently used for grander structures like gates, borders, or even metaphorical concepts like one's heart.
門を閉ざす (mon o tozasu) — to shut a gate (often with a sense of finality or exclusion)
国を閉ざす (kuni o tozasu) — to close off a country (to isolate it from foreign contact)
心を閉ざす (kokoro o tozasu) — to close one's heart (to become emotionally withdrawn or unresponsive)
Common Words & Compounds
Here are some common and useful words featuring 閉. You'll notice how its core meaning of 'close' or 'shut' extends into various contexts, making it a versatile kanji for your vocabulary!
Actions of Closing (Verbs):
閉める (shimeru) — to close, shut (transitive, e.g., 'I close the door')
閉まる (shimaru) — to close, be shut (intransitive, e.g., 'The door closes by itself')
閉じる (tojiru) — to close (e.g., eyes, books, a discussion)
閉ざす (tozasu) — to shut, close off, seal (more formal or emphatic)
Business and Formal Closures (Nouns/Verbs):
閉店 (heiten) — closing of a shop (either for the day or permanently going out of business)
閉館 (heikan) — closing of a public facility like a library, museum, or art gallery
閉会 (heikai) — closing of a meeting, session, or assembly
閉鎖 (heisa) — closure, shutdown, lockout (e.g., a factory, a park, or a website)
Body and Abstract Concepts:
目を閉じる (me o tojiru) — to close one's eyes
口を閉じる (kuchi o tojiru) — to close one's mouth (often meaning to be silent)
開閉 (kaihei) — opening and closing (often seen on signs or instructions for automatic doors, gates, etc.)
閉路 (heiro) — closed circuit (in electrical engineering)
閉経 (heikei) — menopause (literally 'closed menstruation')
Example Sentences
Let's see 閉 in action with some practical sentences. Pay attention to which reading is used in each context and how it changes the nuance!
寒いので、窓を閉めてください。
Samui node, mado o shimete kudasai.
It's cold, so please close the window.
店は午後7時に閉まります。
Mise wa gogo shichiji ni shimarimasu.
The shop closes at 7 PM.
静かに、目を閉じて音楽を聞きました。
Shizuka ni, me o tojite ongaku o kikimashita.
I quietly closed my eyes and listened to the music.
祝日は役所が閉っています。
Shukujitsu wa yakusho ga shimatte imasu.
Government offices are closed on national holidays.
彼は悲しみに暮れて、心を閉ざしてしまった。
Kare wa kanashimi ni kurete, kokoro o tozashite shimatta.
He was overcome with sadness and closed off his heart.
強い風で、玄関のドアがバタンと閉まった。
Tsuyoi kaze de, genkan no doa ga batan to shimatta.
The front door slammed shut due to the strong wind.
会議は予定通に無事に閉会しました。
Kaigi wa yotei dōri ni buji ni heikai shimashita.
The meeting successfully concluded (closed) as scheduled.
新しい工場の建設により、古い施設は完全に閉鎖されることになった。
Atarashii kōjō no kensetsu ni yori, furui shisetsu wa kanzen ni heisa sareru koto ni natta.
Due to the construction of a new factory, the old facility was completely shut down.
Memory Tip
Remembering 閉 becomes quite simple once you break it down! Visualize the kanji with a large, imposing 門 (gate) on the left side. Now, on the right, imagine a guard or worker using their 'ability' (represented by the component that looks like 才, which can be associated with talent or a tool) to firmly close and secure this gate. So, a 'gate' (門) is being 'closed' by someone's 'ability' (or simply blocked/secured). This mental image of a secured gate will strongly link 閉 to its meaning of 'close' or 'shut' in your mind. You can almost hear the click of the lock as the gate is sealed!