Skip to content
道Nihongo Path
締

締·tighten, conclude

On-yomi
テイ
Kun-yomi
し(める)し(まる)

By Nihongo PathUpdated

Stroke order

Write it in this order; the numbers mark where each stroke starts.

15 strokes, numbered in writing order. Data: KanjiVG (CC BY-SA 3.0).

Common words

WordReadingMeaning
締めるしめるto tighten, fasten
締め切りしめきりdeadline
締まるしまるto become tight, shut
締結ていけつconclusion (of a treaty or contract)

Example sentences

  1. シートベルトを締めてください。

    しーとべるとをしめてください。

    Please fasten your seatbelt.

  2. レポートの締め切りは金曜日です。

    れぽーとのしめきりはきんようびです。

    The deadline for the report is Friday.

  3. 両国は新しい条約を締結した。

    りょうこくはあたらしいじょうやくをていけつした。

    The two countries concluded a new treaty.

Similar-looking kanji

Do not confuse these on the exam.

Common mistakes

  • Writing 閉める (close a door) or 占める (occupy) where 締める (fasten) is meant — all read しめる
  • Reading 締結 as しめむすび

Memory aid

Picture it

A thread (糸) pulled tight as if by imperial order (帝) — nothing is allowed to come loose.

Vocabulary using this kanji

Quick check

1 / 2Multiple choiceDifficulty 4 of 5

What does the kanji 締 mean?