close
close — 動詞
- closepresent simple I / you / we / they
- closes3rd person singular
- closing-ing form
- closedpast simple
1. to move a door, window, lid, or other object that covers an opening so that the
關閉；關上
將門窗蓋子等移入遮蓋開口的位置
to move a door, window, lid, or other object that covers an opening so that the opening is blocked and nothing can pass through.
Please close the door when you leave the room.
你離開房間時請關上門。
close + door/window/lid — common physical objects
Minho closed his book and put it on the shelf.
Minho 闔上書本，把它放在書架上。
The wind made the kitchen door close with a loud bang.
大風把廚房門吹得砰的一聲關上了。
intransitive use — door closes by itself
Gabriela closed the lid of her laptop and stood up.
Gabriela 蓋上筆記型電腦的蓋子，站了起來。
It was cold outside, so Chidi closed all the windows.
外面很冷，所以 Chidi 把所有的窗戶都關上了。
- close the door
- close your eyes
- close the window
- close the lid
- close the book
- close your mouth
- open
to move something so that the opening is no longer blocked
文法句型
close + object (door/window/lid/book)
close (no object)
用法筆記
Often used with objects such as door, window, lid, mouth, eyes, or book. For containers like boxes or bottles, use 'close the lid'.
常見錯誤
2. A public venue like a café, library, or similar facility stops admitting visitor
關門；打烊
商店或公共場所當日停止營業
A public venue like a café, library, or similar facility stops admitting visitors, usually at a set time each day or during a holiday period.
The museum closes at six o'clock on weekdays.
博物館平日六點關門。
close + at [time] — fixed daily closing time
What time does the library close on Saturdays?
圖書館星期六幾點關門？
The café closes early on Sunday, so let us go before five.
這家咖啡館星期天提早打烊，所以我們五點前去吧。
Many restaurants in this area close for a holiday during the summer.
這一帶很多餐廳夏天會休假暫停營業。
close + for [period] — temporary closure
The supermarket closes at ten o'clock every night.
超市每天晚上十點關門。
- close at [time]
- close on [day]
- close for [period]
- close early
- close late
- shut
same meaning, more common in British English: 'the pub shuts at eleven'
- open
to start allowing customers in: 'the shop opens at nine'
文法句型
close + at [time]
close + on [day]
close + for [period]
用法筆記
Subject is always a place that offers a service or goods to the public (shop, restaurant, bank, library, museum, etc.). Usually intransitive — you say 'the shop closes at 8' not 'the manager closes the shop at 8' (though the transitive form is possible).
常見錯誤
3. to cause an event, activity, conversation, or process to finish; or to finish on
結束；終止
使會議、活動或案件停止
to cause an event, activity, conversation, or process to finish; or to finish on its own without anyone stopping it.
The manager closed the meeting with a brief summary.
經理用一段簡短的總結結束了會議。
transitive: close + meeting/speech/case
The film closes with a scene of the family having dinner together.
這部電影以一家人一起吃晚餐的場景收尾。
close with [something] — end by doing or showing
Eri closed her speech by thanking the volunteers for their help.
Eri 感謝志工的幫忙，以此結束她的演講。
The police closed the case after the suspect confessed.
嫌疑犯認罪後，警方就結案了。
Talks between the two companies closed without an agreement.
兩家公司之間的談判未能達成協議便結束了。
intransitive: talks close without result
- close the meeting
- close a speech
- close the case
- close with [something]
- close a deal
文法句型
close + with [something]
close + meeting/speech/case
用法筆記
Common in formal contexts such as meetings, speeches, legal cases, festivals, and business talks. Not used for ending personal relationships — use 'end' or 'break up' instead.
常見錯誤
4. When a business, factory, or public service stops operating and no longer serves
停業；歇業
企業或組織永久停止運作
When a business, factory, or public service stops operating and no longer serves customers or produces goods, either for a short period or forever.
The factory closed after thirty years of making furniture.
這家工廠在做了三十年家具之後關了。
intransitive: business closes permanently
The bank decided to close its branch in the small town.
銀行決定關閉位於小鎮的那家分行。
transitive: close + branch/office/factory
Many bookshops have closed because people buy books online.
很多書店因為人們在網路上買書而停業了。
The hospital may close unless the government provides more funds.
除非政府提供更多資金，否則這家醫院可能關閉。
After the owner retired last year, the bakery closed for good.
去年老闆退休後，那家麵包店就永久歇業了。
close for good — permanently stop operating
- close a factory
- close a branch
- close the business
- close for good
- close permanently
- close down
- shut down
phrasal verb, common for factories and computers as well
- cease operations
formal, used in official announcements
- go out of business
commonly used for shops and small companies
文法句型
close + factory/shop/business
close (no object) — business closes
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 2 ('DAILY CLOSING'): sense 2 is about daily hours (the shop closes at 8pm), while this sense is about ceasing to exist as a business. 'Close down' or 'shut down' are common phrasal-verb alternatives.
常見錯誤
5. to successfully complete a business agreement, sale, or financial arrangement wi
成交；達成
成功完成商業協議或交易
to successfully complete a business agreement, sale, or financial arrangement with another person or company after discussion and negotiation.
The company closed a deal with a new supplier in Taiwan.
該公司與台灣的一家新供應商達成了協議。
close a deal — most common collocation
Anjali closed the sale after the customer agreed to the final price.
Anjali 在顧客同意最終價格後成交了這筆生意。
The real estate agent closed the contract on the apartment yesterday.
房地產仲介昨天簽下了那間公寓的合約。
close + contract — used in property and legal contexts
It took three months of talks to close the agreement.
經過三個月的協商才敲定了這項協議。
Bilal closed a major deal with a Japanese electronics firm.
Bilal 與一家日本電子公司談成了一筆大交易。
- close a deal
- close a sale
- close a contract
- close an agreement
- close a transaction
- negotiate
to discuss terms before reaching a final agreement
文法句型
close + deal/sale/contract/agreement
用法筆記
Almost always transitive with a business noun as the object (deal, sale, contract, agreement, transaction). Subject is typically a person or organization. Common in real estate, finance, and corporate contexts.
常見錯誤
6. to shrink the space, gap, or difference separating two things; or to grow less,
縮小；拉近
減少兩者之間的距離或差距
to shrink the space, gap, or difference separating two things; or to grow less, bringing things nearer together.
The new programme aims to close the gap between rich and poor students.
這項新計畫旨在縮小貧富學生之間的差距。
close the gap — most common collocation
The leading runner began to close the distance on the one in front.
領先的跑者開始拉近與前方跑者的距離。
The difference in their scores closed to just two points.
他們的分數差距縮小到僅剩兩分。
intransitive: difference closes to [amount]
Teachers are working hard to close the gap in reading levels between classes.
老師們正努力縮小各班之間閱讀程度的差距。
As the two cars closed on each other, the race grew more exciting.
兩輛車彼此接近時，比賽變得更加刺激。
close on [someone/something] — draw near
- close the gap
- close the distance
- close the difference
- close on [someone]
文法句型
close + the gap/difference/distance
close on + [someone/something]
用法筆記
Most common with 'the gap' as object. 'Close the gap' is used both literally (physical spaces) and figuratively (differences in achievement, wealth, ability). 'Close on' means 'come nearer to' and is intransitive.
7. to make a computer program, document, or window stop appearing on your screen so
關閉（程式）
結束電腦程式或檔案在螢幕上的顯示
to make a computer program, document, or window stop appearing on your screen so that you are no longer working with it
After Eli checked the last row of data, he closed the spreadsheet.
Eli 檢查完最後一列資料後，關閉了試算表。
transitive: close + document/spreadsheet
Jisoo always closes her email program before leaving the office.
Jisoo 離開辦公室前總是會關閉她的郵件程式。
collocation: close + email program
The photo-editing tool will close automatically when the update finishes.
這套照片編輯工具會在更新完成後自動關閉。
intransitive: tool/program + close
Before you turn off your computer, close every open document.
關機之前，請先關閉所有開啟中的文件。
Defne closed the browser window after finishing her online order.
Defne 完成線上訂單後關閉了瀏覽器視窗。
collocation: close + browser window
- close a file
- close a window
- close a program
- close an application
- close a tab
- close a document
- open
the reverse action — makes a program, file, or window appear on screen
文法句型
close + file/program/window
用法筆記
Common in computing contexts. Can be used transitively (close a file) or intransitively (the program closes). 'Close' affects a specific file, program, or window; 'shut down' refers to turning off the entire computer.
常見錯誤
close down
phrasal verbTo stop operating or functioning permanently.
關閉；停業
The factory closed down due to financial problems.
When does the restaurant close down for renovations?
close in
phrasal verbTo move nearer to someone or something, often in a threatening way.
逼近；包圍
The police closed in on the suspect's hiding place.
As night closed in, the hikers looked for shelter.
close off
phrasal verbTo block an entrance or prevent access to a place.
封鎖；隔離
The city closed off the street for the parade.
Why did they close off the park after dark?
close out
phrasal verbTo sell all of a product, often at a reduced price, or to end something.
出清；結束
The store is closing out its winter coats at half price.
She closed out the meeting with a summary of the key points.
close over
phrasal verbTo cover something completely, often gradually.
覆蓋；淹沒
The water closed over the sunken ship.
Dark clouds closed over the mountain peak.
close up
phrasal verbTo shut something completely, or to come closer together.
關閉；靠攏
The shop closes up at nine o'clock every evening.
The soldiers closed up their ranks as they marched.
To decide to stop trying to achieve or solve something.
終止某事；放棄
After years of searching, the police closed the book on the missing person case.
Have you closed the book on your dream of becoming a musician?
To make it impossible for something to happen.
關上大門；使不可能
The manager closed the door on any further negotiations.
Did she shut the door on a promotion by arguing with the boss?
To stop operating as a business permanently.
關門；歇業
The bookstore closed its doors after fifty years of service.
Many small shops closed shop during the economic crisis.
To refuse to consider or accept an idea or possibility.
拒絕接受；封閉思想
Don't close your mind to new teaching methods.
Why does he close his mind to any advice from his friends?
close ranks
idiomWhen a group unites to protect itself, especially from criticism.
團結一致；共同防衛
The team closed ranks after the coach was accused of cheating.
Politicians often close ranks when their party is under attack.
To deliberately not listen to something.
不聽；置之不理
She shut her ears to the gossip about her colleague.
Why do you close your ears to constructive criticism?
To pretend not to notice something unpleasant.
視而不見；假裝沒看到
The manager closed his eyes to the safety violations.
You cannot shut your eyes to the rising crime in this area.
To do something very easily, without needing to think.
輕而易舉地；閉著眼睛也能
I can drive to work with my eyes closed.
She could solve that puzzle with her eyes shut.
close — 名詞
- closesingular
- closesplural
1. the last part of an event, activity, or period of time, when it stops or is cons
結尾
事件或活動的最後部分
the last part of an event, activity, or period of time, when it stops or is considered finished
The movie was exciting right through to the close of the final scene.
這部電影一直到最後一幕的結尾都令人緊張刺激。
the close of [event]
Anjali signed the contract toward the close of the business day.
Anjali 在接近營業日結束時簽下了合約。
The charity raised over fifty thousand dollars by the close of the weekend campaign.
週末活動接近尾聲時，慈善機構已募得超過五萬美元。
by the close of [time period]
As the close of the meeting drew near, Ramón summarized the team's decisions.
會議接近尾聲時，Ramón 總結了團隊的各項決定。
- close of play
- close of business
- close of the day
- toward the close
- by the close
- at the close
- end
more general and common; 'close' sounds slightly more formal and often implies a natural finish
- conclusion
more formal; suggests a logical or planned finish rather than a simple stopping point
- finish
more direct; commonly used for races, competitions, and physical tasks
文法句型
the close of [something]
用法筆記
Frequently used in fixed phrases with 'the' and 'of', such as 'at the close of day' or 'toward the close of the session'. Subject of sentences is often an event, period, or process.
常見錯誤
2. the point or state at which an activity, process, or situation reaches its end a
收尾
活動或過程結束的狀態
the point or state at which an activity, process, or situation reaches its end after continuing for some time
The festival came to a close with a spectacular fireworks display over the lake.
嘉年華在湖上壯觀的煙火表演中收尾。
came to a close — idiom for finishing
Hyun worked hard to bring the two-year renovation project to a close before the winter.
Hyun 努力在冬天之前將長達兩年的翻修工程收尾。
bring [project] to a close
As the summer holidays drew to a close, Layla began packing for university.
暑假逐漸收尾時，Layla 開始打包行李準備上大學。
drew to a close — gradual finish
The investigation was nearing its close when a new piece of evidence appeared.
調查即將結束時，出現了一項新的證據。
- come to a close
- bring to a close
- draw to a close
- near its close
- end
more general; lacks the implication of a gradual winding-down that 'close' carries in these phrases
- conclusion
slightly more formal; often implies a decisive or final end
- start
the beginning of the process
文法句型
bring [something] to a close
come to a close
draw to a close
用法筆記
Almost always appears in fixed verb phrases like 'come to a close', 'bring to a close', or 'draw to a close'. The definite article 'a' (not 'the') is used in these phrases. Distinguish from sense 1 (FINAL PART), which refers to the final section of something rather than the act of finishing.
常見錯誤
3. the moment in time at which a particular period, such as a working day, a year,
終止
一段時間結束的時刻
the moment in time at which a particular period, such as a working day, a year, or a season, finishes
All orders received before the close of business will be shipped the same day.
在營業時間終止前下的所有訂單，均於當日出貨。
close of business — common business expression
Eve reviewed the stock prices at the market close and noted a steady gain.
Eve 在收盤時查看了股價，注意到穩定上揚。
By the close of the decade, the small town had built two new schools.
到該十年終止時，這個小鎮已經建了兩所新的學校。
by the close of [decade]
The librarian reminded everyone that the close of the borrowing period was next Friday.
圖書館員提醒大家，借閱期限在下週五終止。
Farmers usually finish harvesting before the close of autumn.
農夫們通常在秋季終止前完成收割。
the close of [season]
- close of business
- close of trading
- market close
- close of the year
- close of the season
- opening
the start of a period, especially in business hours or market trading
文法句型
the close of [time period]
用法筆記
Common in commercial and financial contexts ('close of business', 'market close'). Also used with calendar periods ('close of the year', 'close of the century'). Unlike sense 1, the focus is on the precise time boundary rather than the content of the final part.
常見錯誤
4. a short street that has houses along it and is blocked off at one end, so cars c
死巷
一端封閉的街道
a short street that has houses along it and is blocked off at one end, so cars can only drive in and out from the same opening
The children rode their bikes safely on the close because no through traffic passed by.
孩子們在死巷裡安全地騎腳踏車，因為沒有車輛穿過。
Madison lives at number twelve on Lavender Close, just past the old oak tree.
Madison 住在 Lavender 死巷十二號，就在那棵老橡樹旁邊。
used in street names: [Name] Close
Dario parked his van at the entrance of the close and unloaded the furniture.
Dario 把貨車停在死巷入口，然後卸下家具。
The postman delivers mail to every house on the close before lunchtime.
郵差在午飯前把信件送到死巷裡的每一戶人家。
- live on a close
- end of the close
- [Name] Close
- the close
- cul-de-sac
more formal and common in American English; French-derived term
- dead end
more informal; emphasizes that the road has no outlet
用法筆記
Commonly used in British street names, appearing after the street name (e.g., 'Willow Close', 'Park Close'). In American English, 'cul-de-sac' or 'dead end' is more typical. The word is always treated as a countable noun.
常見錯誤
close — 形容詞
- closepositive
- closercomparative
- closestsuperlative
1. linked by direct family ties, or by strong feelings of shared belief and mutual
密切
關係緊密或有共同理念的
linked by direct family ties, or by strong feelings of shared belief and mutual support
Shirin is the bride's close relative and sits in the family section.
Shirin 是新娘的近親，坐在家屬席。
close relative — direct family tie
The two communities have built close ties through years of trade and shared traditions.
這兩個社區透過多年的貿易和共同的傳統建立了密切的聯繫。
close ties — shared beliefs or support
Nikos has a close working relationship with the team and talks to them every day.
Nikos 與團隊有著密切的合作關係，每天都會和他們交談。
The Watanabe family stay close and help out whenever someone is in trouble.
渡邊一家人彼此關係緊密，只要有人遇到困難就會互相幫忙。
stay close to one another — mutual support
- close relative
- close family
- close ties
- close bond
- close relationship
- close friend
- distant
used for family relationships that are not close, or for people who are not emotionally connected
用法筆記
Often used before nouns such as relative, friend, ties, relationship, bond to describe the strength of a connection.
常見錯誤
2. sharing strong feelings of friendship, knowing one another well, and spending ti
要好
彼此交情深厚且常相處的
sharing strong feelings of friendship, knowing one another well, and spending time together regularly
Sumin and Padma have been close friends since they were at primary school.
Sumin 和 Padma 從小學起就是好朋友了。
close friends — people who know and like each other
I am still close to several people I met at my old workplace.
我和以前工作場所認識的幾個人仍然很要好。
close to [someone] — preposition pattern
The two sisters grew very close after travelling around Southeast Asia together.
那對姊妹一起遊歷東南亞之後，感情變得非常要好。
grow close — become close over time
Kwame is close with his neighbours and often has dinner at their house.
Kwame 和鄰居關係很好，經常去他們家吃晚飯。
close with [someone] — alternative preposition
- close friend
- close to
- close with
- grow close
- become close
- remain close
- friendly
pleasant and sociable, but may not imply deep familiarity
- intimate
much stronger, suggesting very private and deep friendship; can sound too strong for casual friendship
- tight-knit
used of a group rather than individuals; describes a community or team that sticks together
- distant
emotionally far, not sharing personal feelings or spending time together
用法筆記
Used with the prepositions to or with: close to somebody (more common in BrE) and close with somebody (common in AmE).
常見錯誤
3. paying very careful and thorough attention when looking at, listening to, or exa
仔細
非常認真觀察或聆聽的
paying very careful and thorough attention when looking at, listening to, or examining something
The detective took a close look at the muddy footprints outside the window.
偵探仔細看了看窗外的泥濘腳印。
close look — careful visual examination
The doctor kept the patient under close observation throughout the night.
醫生整晚密切觀察那名病人的狀況。
close observation — monitoring in detail
We need to pay close attention to the instructions before we start the experiment.
我們必須仔細聽實驗開始前的說明。
João gave the old painting a close inspection before deciding to buy it.
João 仔細檢查了那幅舊畫之後才決定買下它。
close inspection — detailed checking
- close look
- close attention
- close inspection
- close observation
- close examination
- close watch
- cursory
done quickly with little attention; more formal
用法筆記
Almost always appears before a noun that names an act of perception or examination (look, watch, listen, attention, inspection, observation, reading, study). This sense is not used predicatively.
常見錯誤
4. not willing to share personal information, feelings, or plans with other people
祕密的
不願透露個人資訊或計劃的
not willing to share personal information, feelings, or plans with other people
Linh is very close about where she got the money for her new business.
Linh 對於新事業的資金來源諱莫如深。
close about [topic] — preposition pattern
The committee kept its decisions close and refused to tell the public anything.
委員會對其決議保密，拒絕向公眾透露任何訊息。
keep something close — keep it secret
My grandmother is a close woman who never talks about her childhood.
我祖母是個守口如瓶的人，從不談論自己的童年。
Valentina stayed close about her travel plans until the week before she left.
Valentina 對她的旅行計劃保密，直到出發前一週才說出來。
stay close about — remain secretive
- close about
- keep something close
- stay close
- very close
- close-lipped
用法筆記
Followed by about + topic (close about her past) or used in the phrase keep/stay close. Commonly followed by a clause with wh-words (close about what happened).
常見錯誤
5. if the air or weather is close, it feels uncomfortably warm and still, making it
悶熱
空氣不流通且令人感到悶的
if the air or weather is close, it feels uncomfortably warm and still, making it difficult to breathe easily
The room was so close that Ilan opened all the windows at once.
房間裡太悶了，Ilan 把所有窗戶都打開。
It was a hot, close afternoon and nobody wanted to leave the house.
那個下午又熱又悶，沒有人想出門。
hot, close weather — stuffy atmospheric conditions
The air in the basement felt close and heavy after being shut all winter.
地下室關了一整個冬天，空氣變得又悶又重。
The night was warm and close, with no breeze coming through the windows.
那個夜晚溫暖而悶熱，窗戶一絲風都沒有。
warm and close — typical predicative pattern
- close weather
- close air
- warm and close
- hot and close
- feel close
- close night
- stuffy
more common; emphasises lack of fresh air rather than heat
- muggy
adds the idea of high humidity; less formal
- suffocating
much stronger, suggesting it is hard to breathe at all
用法筆記
Used predicatively (the air is close, it feels close) or with and linking two adjectives (hot and close, warm and close). Not used before a noun in modern English.
常見錯誤
6. situated very near to something; due to happen soon
靠近
距離或時間上不遠的
situated very near to something; due to happen soon
The bus stop is close to Isabela's house, so she walks there every morning.
公車站離 Isabela 家很近，所以她每天早上走過去。
close to [place] — spatial nearness
Christmas is close and the children are getting very excited.
聖誕節快到了，孩子們都非常興奮。
close in time — temporal nearness
We found a parking space close to the entrance of the shopping centre.
我們在購物中心入口附近找到了一個停車位。
The supermarket is close enough for us to walk there with the shopping bags.
超市離我們家很近，走路就能帶著購物袋過去。
close enough to — expressing sufficient nearness
- close to
- close enough
- close by
- close at hand
用法筆記
Typically followed by to + noun (close to the station, close to summer). Can also be used with enough (close enough to walk). Not used before a noun when it means 'not far' (*the close house is ungrammatical in this sense).
常見錯誤
7. positioned with very little space between things or people
密集的
緊密排列的；彼此間距離很小的
positioned with very little space between things or people
The old houses in the village stood close together along the winding street.
村裡的舊房子沿著彎曲的街道密集地靠在一起。
collocation: close together for physical proximity
Beatrix sat close to her mother during the thunderstorm.
Beatrix 在雷雨時緊緊靠在她母親身邊。
collocation: sit close to
The chairs were placed so close that nobody could walk between them.
椅子擺放得太靠近，沒有人能從中間走過去。
Lien and Zuri stood close together for the photograph.
Lien 和 Zuri 站得很靠近一起拍照。
A row of tall trees grew close to the side of the building.
一排高大的樹木長在建築物旁邊，離牆很近。
passive-like: be + past participle + close to
- close together
- stand close
- sit close
- packed close
- close to each other
- near
more general; can refer to time or distance
- adjacent
more formal; means next to or touching
- neighbouring
used for areas or buildings near each other
8. almost the same as something else; having very little difference in value, quali
接近的
數值或結果差異極小的
almost the same as something else; having very little difference in value, quality, or appearance
The final score was close, with only two points separating the teams.
最終比分很接近，兩隊只差了兩分。
collocation: close score / close result
Eli's painting is close in style to the work of a famous artist.
Eli 的畫作風格很接近一位知名藝術家的作品。
pattern: close in [noun] to [noun]
The two shades of blue are so close that I cannot tell them apart.
那兩種藍色太接近了，我分不出來。
Her translation was close to the original without being word-for-word.
她的翻譯很接近原文，但並非逐字直譯。
pattern: close to [noun]
The election results were close, and a recount was requested.
選舉結果非常接近，因此要求重新計票。
- close result
- close match
- close score
- close in style
- close to the original
- similar
broader; close implies almost the same
- comparable
suggests a reasonable likeness rather than near-identity
- near
used in fixed phrases like 'near match' or 'near copy'
文法句型
close + in + noun
close + to + noun
9. very near to reaching a condition or performing an action; almost happening, esp
幾近的
接近某種狀態或動作的
very near to reaching a condition or performing an action; almost happening, especially something bad or dramatic
That was a close call — the car nearly hit the bicycle.
那真是千鈞一髮——那輛車差點撞到腳踏車。
idiomatic noun phrase: 'close call'
Kabir was close to tears after hearing the sad news.
Kabir 聽到那個壞消息後幾乎要掉下眼淚。
pattern: close to [noun] for emotional state
The company came close to shutting down during the economic crisis.
那家公司在經濟危機期間差點倒閉。
pattern: come close to + gerund
Valentina was close to giving up when she finally found the answer.
Valentina 差點就要放棄了，這時她終於找到了答案。
The athlete came close to breaking the world record by half a second.
那位運動員差零點五秒就打破世界紀錄了。
- close to tears
- close to death
- close to giving up
- come close to
- close call
文法句型
close + to + infinitive
close + to + gerund/noun
用法筆記
Often used in past-tense narratives about events that nearly occurred. Frequently appears in the verb phrase 'come close to + gerund' or with the set noun phrase 'a close call'.
常見錯誤
10. won or decided by a very small difference in points, votes, or distance, so the
勢均力敵的
以極小差距決定勝負的
won or decided by a very small difference in points, votes, or distance, so the winner is not clear until the end
The election was a close race decided by fewer than a hundred votes.
那場選舉競爭激烈，最終只差不到一百票。
collocation: close race
Tariro won the tennis match in a close final set.
Tariro 在網球比賽的最後一盤險勝。
collocation: close final / close match
The horse race was close, with the winner crossing the line just ahead.
那場賽馬競爭激烈，冠軍只比亞軍早一步衝過終點線。
It was a close contest that kept the audience guessing until the end.
那是一場勢均力敵的比賽，觀眾直到最後都在猜誰會贏。
collocation: close contest
The senator won by a close margin in the tightest election of the year.
那位參議員以極小差距獲勝，這是一年中最激烈的選舉。
- close race
- close contest
- close game
- close election
- close match
- close final
- close margin
- landslide
a victory by a very large margin, the opposite of a close win
文法句型
a close + noun (race/election/contest/game)
用法筆記
This sense is restricted to competitive contexts — elections, sports matches, auctions, and similar contests. It cannot describe objects or people.
11. not willing to spend money or share it with others; unwilling to give or lend
吝嗇的
不願意花錢或分享錢財的
not willing to spend money or share it with others; unwilling to give or lend
Uncle Henrik is so close that he refuses to buy birthday presents.
Henrik 叔叔小氣到連生日禮物都不肯買。
informal: so close that + clause for extreme stinginess
Zayd's grandfather was close with every penny he earned.
Zayd 的祖父對每一分錢都摳得很緊。
Justin is too close to lend anyone even a small amount of cash.
Justin 太小氣了，連一點點零錢都不願意借給別人。
The landlord was so close that he would not fix the broken heater.
那個房東小氣到連壞掉的暖氣都不肯修理。
informal: so close that + clause
Being close with money is common among those who grew up poor.
在貧困中長大的人通常對錢比較吝嗇。
pattern: close with money
- close with money
- close with cash
- too close to spend
- close with every penny
- generous
willing to spend or give freely
- extravagant
spends too much; opposite end of the scale
文法句型
close + with + noun (money/cash)
用法筆記
This sense is informal and can be slightly rude if used directly about someone. Less harsh alternatives include 'frugal', 'careful with money', or 'tight with money'.
常見錯誤
Very near to someone or something.
近距離地
The photographer captured the lion at close quarters.
Fighting at close quarters is extremely dangerous.
at/from close range
idiomFrom a very short distance away.
近距離地
The hunter shot the deer at close range.
She scored a goal from close range in the final minute.
(close/near) at hand
idiomClose to you in time or distance; easily available.
在附近；即將到來
Help was at hand when the car broke down.
The hotel has a restaurant and a gym close at hand.
close, but no cigar
idiomUsed to say that someone's attempt was almost successful but not quite.
差一點就成功；功虧一簣
Your guess was close, but no cigar.
He almost won the race, but it was close, no cigar.
a close call/shave
idiomA situation where an accident or disaster is only just avoided.
千鈞一髮；僥倖逃過
That was a close call when the truck nearly hit us.
He had a close shave when the ladder slipped.
a close thing
idiomA situation where the result is very uncertain until the end.
勝負難分；險勝
The election was a close thing, with only a few votes difference.
We rescued the cat, but it was a close thing.
Very important and personally meaningful to someone.
某人非常關心的；重要的
Education is a cause close to her heart.
The charity work is near to his heart.
close to home
idiomWhen a remark or topic is uncomfortably accurate or personal.
觸及痛處；切中要害
His comments about my laziness hit close to home.
The tragedy struck close to home when our neighbor died.
To watch someone or something very carefully.
密切注意；仔細監視
Keep a close eye on the soup so it doesn't boil over.
The teacher kept a close watch on the students during the exam.
So near that it makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
近得令人不安；太近了
The car passed too close for comfort, nearly hitting my bike.
The final score was 3-2, too close for comfort for the winning team.
Physically very close to someone, or getting to know them well.
近距離地；親密地
At the zoo, you can see the giraffes up close and personal.
She got up close and personal with the author during the interview.
close — 副詞
1. at a short physical distance from someone or something; not far away in position
靠近
空間上距離不遠
at a short physical distance from someone or something; not far away in position
Selim stood close to the stage so he could see the singer clearly.
Selim 站得靠近舞台，這樣才能清楚看見歌手。
close to [place] — position near a location
The cat crept close to the bird before pouncing.
那隻貓悄悄靠近鳥兒，然後撲了上去。
Lakshmi's house is close to the train station, only a five-minute walk away.
Lakshmi 的房子靠近火車站，走路只要五分鐘。
close to + place noun — measuring distance
Stay close to me in the market so we do not get separated.
在市場裡靠近我一點，才不會走散。
The children sat close together on the bench, sharing a blanket.
孩子們緊緊靠在一起坐在長椅上，共享一條毯子。
close together — side by side
- close to
- close together
- close by
- stay close
- come closer
- draw close
文法句型
close + adv./prep.
close to + noun
用法筆記
Frequently followed by 'to' before a noun phrase. The comparative form 'closer' and the superlative 'closest' are also common.
常見錯誤
2. very near to reaching a particular state, amount, or condition, without quite do
幾乎
將要達到某種狀態或數量
very near to reaching a particular state, amount, or condition, without quite doing so
Takeshi was close to tears when he heard the sad news.
Takeshi 聽到那個壞消息時，幾乎要哭了。
close to + noun of emotional state
The project is close to completion after months of hard work.
經過幾個月的努力，這個專案已接近完成。
We were close to missing the train because of the traffic jam.
因為塞車，我們差一點就錯過了火車。
close to + gerund — nearly happened
Astrid came close to winning the race but finished second.
Astrid 差一點就贏得比賽，最後只得到第二名。
The temperature today is close to forty degrees Celsius.
今天氣溫接近攝氏四十度。
close to + number — approximate measurement
- close to tears
- close to death
- close to completion
- come close to
- close to being
- close to perfect
- far from
indicates a large gap between the current state and the target
文法句型
close to + noun
close to + -ing verb
come close to + -ing verb
用法筆記
Commonly followed by 'to' plus a noun phrase or gerund. The verb 'come' is often used before 'close' to emphasise approaching a threshold: 'come close to + -ing'.
常見錯誤
3. describing a guess, estimate, or description that is almost but not exactly corr
準確
猜測、估計近乎正確
describing a guess, estimate, or description that is almost but not exactly correct
My guess was close to the actual price of the painting.
我猜的價格很接近那幅畫的實際售價。
close to + noun — guess nearly correct
Christopher's estimate of the cost was remarkably close to the final bill.
Christopher 對成本的估算與最終帳單非常接近。
The weather forecast was close, though it predicted rain a day later.
天氣預報還算準確，只是把下雨的時間說晚了一天。
Her description of the suspect was close enough to help the police.
她對嫌疑犯的描述夠準確，足以協助警方辦案。
close enough + to-infinitive — sufficient accuracy
Tendai's calculation was close but not exactly the same as the correct answer.
Tendai 的計算很接近了，但和正確答案還不完全一樣。
- close to the truth
- close to the mark
- close enough
- remarkably close
- surprisingly close
- inaccurate
means not correct at all
- off
informal — 'way off' means nowhere near correct
文法句型
be close to + noun
be close + adjective-free complement
用法筆記
Subject is usually a guess, estimate, description, or comparison. Unlike sense 2 (ALMOST), this sense implies the result is usefully accurate rather than simply near a threshold.
常見錯誤
4. by a very small amount or margin, especially in a competition, election, race, o
些微差距
比賽、競爭中差距很小
by a very small amount or margin, especially in a competition, election, race, or comparison of performance
The election was so close that the final result took days to confirm.
那次選舉雙方差距極小，最後結果花了好幾天才確定。
so close — emphasising very narrow margin
Tamar finished close behind the winner, only a second slower.
Tamar 緊跟在冠軍之後完賽，只慢了零點一秒。
The game remained close until the last minute of play.
整場比賽一直很膠著，直到最後一分鐘勝負才分。
Adisa's score was close to the best in the class, missing by just two points.
Adisa 的分數和班上最高分非常接近，只差了兩分。
close to + noun — competitive comparison
The two teams are close in ability, with almost identical win records.
這兩支隊伍實力相當，勝場紀錄幾乎一模一樣。
- so close
- too close to call
- close race
- close match
- close behind
- close contest
- decisively
by a large margin — the opposite of a narrow result
- easily
with a big gap between competitors
文法句型
be close (in competition)
come close to + -ing verb (competitive context)
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 2 (ALMOST): this sense describes competitiveness or narrow margins in contests, not general near-achievement. Unlike adjective sense 'NARROW MARGIN', which describes the contest itself, this adverb sense describes the margin by which something occurs.
常見錯誤
To be almost correct in a guess or statement.
接近正確；差不多
Your estimate was close to the mark, only off by a few dollars.
The journalist's prediction was near the mark.
close at hand
idiomNearby and easily available.
在手邊；附近
Keep a dictionary close at hand when you write.
The emergency exit is close at hand.
At a short distance from someone or something.
在附近；靠近
The library is close by the school.
Do you live close by the train station?
close on | close to
idiomAlmost; nearly.
將近；幾乎
She is close on sixty years old.
The project cost close to a million dollars.
a close-run thing
idiomA competition or election that is won or lost by a very small margin.
險勝；勝負難分
The election was a close-run thing, decided by only 100 votes.
The match was a close-run thing, with the winner scoring in the last minute.
From a position very near to something.
靠近地；近距離地
The painting looks different when you see it close up.
Can I see the diamond up close?
Very near in space to someone or something.
緊靠著；非常接近
The dog came close up to the fence.
She stood close up to the stage to see the singer.
To almost reach or achieve something.
幾乎達到；差一點就
He came close to winning the championship.
The team came close to breaking the record.
To keep your plans or ideas secret.
保密；不露聲色
She held her cards close to her chest during the negotiation.
Why do you always keep your cards close to your chest?
To be almost as good, fast, or successful as someone or something else.
緊追在後；幾乎趕上
The new model runs the old one close in performance.
The challenger ran the champion close in the race.
To take a risk by doing something that is dangerous or nearly illegal.
冒險；遊走邊緣
The company sailed close to the wind with its tax practices.
He sailed close to the wind by lying on his resume.
同根字
常見搭配
名詞搭配
- close friend
- close relative
- close call
- close shave
- close range
- close quarters
副詞搭配
- close together
- close at hand
- close enough
- too close for comfort
常用片語
- draw to a close
- come to a close
- bring to a close
- close of business
- too close to call
- close at hand
- close to home
介系詞搭配
- close to
- close by
- close upon