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What is the Kanji for 'Close' and 'Shut'? | 閉

If you are wondering what is the Japanese Kanji for 'Close' and 'Shut', you've come to the right place!

The Japanese Kanji for 'Close' and 'Shut' is 閉.

    kanji

    Meaning

    Close, Shut

    Reading

    kunyomi

    shi

    to

    onyomiへい

    hei

    Parts

    Gate Talent, Age

    Example Word

    閉ざす: close or shut. The Japanese verb '閉ざす (とざす)' means 'to close' or 'to shut'. It is often used to describe closing something firmly or tightly, such as a door, window, or entrance. It can also be used metaphorically to describe closing off emotions, opportunities, or communication. For example: He closed the door firmly「彼はドアを閉ざした」(かれはドアをとざした). Her heart was closed to love「彼女の心は愛に閉ざされていた」(かのじょのこころはあいにとざされていた). The storm closed the roads「嵐が道路を閉ざした」(あらしがどうろをとざした). Note that '閉ざす' often implies a more permanent or deliberate action compared to other words like '閉める (しめる)', which is more general.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    11

    JLPT

    N3

    Grade

    6

    Frequency

    907

    Handwriting

Parts of the Kanji

If you visually break down this kanji, you can see it is made up of 2 parts:

    kanji

    Meaning

    Gate

    kanji

    Meaning

    Talent, Age

Words Using

This kanji is used in 7 words:

    word

    閉まる

    Meaning

    Close

    word

    閉じる

    Meaning

    Close

    word

    閉める

    Meaning

    Close

    word

    閉会

    Meaning

    Closing

    word

    閉店

    Meaning

    Closing

    word

    閉鎖

    Meaning

    Closure

    word

    閉ざす

    Meaning

    Close, Shut

Kanji Related to Through the Part

These 11 kanji contain the part 門 as well.

    kanji

    Meaning

    Interval, Space

    kanji

    Meaning

    Listen

    kanji

    Meaning

    Open

    kanji

    Meaning

    Question, Problem

    kanji

    Meaning

    Barrier, Related

    kanji

    Meaning

    Cabinet

    kanji

    Meaning

    Clan, Clique

    kanji

    Meaning

    Fight, Struggle

    kanji

    Meaning

    Inspect, Inspection

    kanji

    Meaning

    Quiet, Leisure

    kanji

    Meaning

    Darkness

Kanji Related to Through the Part

These 2 kanji contain the part 才 as well.

    kanji

    Meaning

    Materials, Timber

    kanji

    Meaning

    Wealth

Learn the Kanji

Let's make sure you fully understand this kanji.

What does 閉 mean?

閉 means 'Close' and 'Shut'.

Japanese school students learn this kanji in Sixth Grade, while non-native learners often study it for the JLPT N3 exam.

To help you master this kanji, here's an interactive lesson where you'll practice its readings and meanings.