1.
to close, to shut
To close something like eyes, a book, or a door.
目を閉じる。
To close one's eyes.
本を閉じる。
To close a book.
口を閉じて静かにする。
To shut one's mouth and be quiet.
疲れたので目を閉じて少し休んだ。
I was tired, so I closed my eyes and rested a little.
読み終わった本を閉じて、机の上に置いた。
I closed the book I had finished reading and placed it on the desk.
閉じる means to close, typically used for eyes, books, and metaphorical closings.
TRANSITIVITY:
- Can be transitive or intransitive
- Transitive: 目を閉じる (to close one's eyes)
- Intransitive: 幕が閉じる (the curtain closes)
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 目を閉じる: to close one's eyes
- 本を閉じる: to close a book
- 口を閉じる: to shut one's mouth
- 幕を閉じる: to bring to a close (figurative)
- 生涯を閉じる: to end one's life
DISTINCTION (homophones):
- 閉じる: to close (eyes, books, figurative)
- 綴じる: to bind, staple (papers)
CONTRAST WITH 閉める:
閉じる is for things that open like a cover or eyelids; 閉める is for doors, windows, and containers.