Meaning

Primary

To Tighten

Alternatives

To Become Tight, To Be Toned

Word Type

intransitive verb, godan verb

Explanation

Because the hiragana ends with an sound, you know this word is a verb. The kanji itself means tighten, so the verb vocab version is to tighten.

Reading

しまる
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

What can you do if you want something to tighten or to become tight? You need to hug your sheep () really close until...

The sheep tightens into a tiny little ball. Cute!

Context

Context Sentences

このシートベルトは自動的に締まってくれます。

This seat belt tightens on its own.

大西さんの体はよく締まっていますね〜。

Mr Onishi's body is well toned isn't it!

初めての管理職ということで、身の引き締まる思いをしています。

This is my first managerial position and I’m very tense.

Kanji Composition