закрыва́ть
zakryvátʹimperfective
The English phrase 'close' (to move a door) is translated into Russian as закрыва́ть (zakryvátʹ) or закры́ть.
Meaning: move (a door) (verb)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| закрыва́ть | zakryvátʹ | imperfective |
| закры́ть | zakrýtʹ | perfective |
When you want to express the action of moving a door or another object to a closed position, you use the verbs закрыва́ть or закры́ть. If you are describing an object that closes itself, such as a door closing due to a gust of wind, you use the reflexive form закры́ться.
Which one should you use?
The choice between the two main forms depends on the nature of the action. Use the imperfective закрыва́ть to describe the process of closing something or to indicate a habitual action. Use the perfective закры́ть to refer to a single, completed action.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation for закрыва́ть is zakryvátʹ.
Did you know?
- The verb закры́ть is used for abstract concepts like 'closing' a bank account or a business deal, carrying the same sense of finality as physically closing a door.
- To tell someone to stop talking about a specific subject, Russians use the phrase закры́ть тему, which literally means 'close the theme'.
- A shop sign saying закры́то does not use a standard adjective, but a special participle form that describes a state of being.
Examples in context
- Человек лежит близко к озеру.A person is lying close to the lake.
- Мы друзья и очень близки друг другу.We are friends and very close to each other.
- Запахи табака и спирта оказались близкими по аромату.The smells of tobacco and alcohol were close in fragrance.
- Магазин находится рядом.The store is close/nearby.
- Ко мне подходили люди, стоящие близко.People who stood close came up to me.
- Наша школа находится совсем близко от парка.Our school is very close to the park.
- Он мне близок по духу.He is close to me in spirit.
- Мы живем очень рядышком.We live very close to each other.
- Сиди рядышком со мной.Sit close to me.
- Он всегда стоит рядышком.He always stands close.
Example conversation
Alexander and Maria are leaving their house.
- Александр AleksandrМария, ты можешь закрыва́ть дверь?Mariya, ty mozhesh zakryvat' dver'?Maria, can you close the door?
- Мария MariaДа, я сейчас её закрою.Da, ya seychas yeyo zakroyu.Yes, I will close it now.
- Александр AleksandrСпасибо, а то на улице холодно.Spasibo, a to na ulitse kholodno.Thanks, because it's cold outside.
- Мария MariaВсё, теперь она закрыта.Vsyo, teper' ona zakryta.Done, now it is closed.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “close” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
