Translation guide
How to express the idea of 'leaving something open' in Japanese, covering physical objects, abstract possibilities, and common set phrases.
To describe the state of having left a physical object open, either intentionally or by accident.
Please don't leave the door open.
I fell asleep with the window left open.
A slightly more neutral way to say 'leave open', focusing on the state of being open. Can be used for intentional leaving open.
I'll leave the window open for ventilation.
Specifically means 'forget to close', implying the open state is a mistake.
I forgot to close the fridge door (and left it open).
To express that a decision, plan, or opportunity is not yet finalized and remains available.
Literally 'leave a possibility'. Used when you want to keep an option available.
I want to leave the possibility of negotiation open.
Literally 'leave an option/choice'. Similar to above but emphasizes having alternatives.
Let's leave other options open.
Means 'keep a schedule slot open/free'. Used for leaving time available.
Literally 'leave room/leeway'. Used in formal contexts to mean leaving room for interpretation, negotiation, or change.
To indicate that an issue, problem, or question has not been settled and remains open.
Means 'leave unresolved'. Used for problems, cases, or questions.
That problem has been left open (unresolved).
Literally 'put on the shelf'. Means to shelve or leave an issue open for later, often intentionally.
Let's leave that matter open for now (shelve it).
Literally 'not draw a conclusion'. Used when a decision is deliberately left open.
To express that one is welcome to come back or that a relationship is not completely severed.
A direct translation of the English idiom, commonly understood in Japanese business or personal contexts.
I'll leave the door open for you to come back anytime.
Means 'be prepared to accept/welcome'. A more explicit way to say the door is open.
Simply using '開ける' (to open) without a phrase like '〜っぱなし' or '〜まま' does not convey the sense of 'leaving' open. For example, 'ドアを開ける' just means 'open the door', not 'leave the door open'.
'開けっ放し' often carries a nuance of carelessness or neglect, while '開けたまま' is more neutral and can be used for intentional states. Choose based on whether the leaving open is accidental or deliberate.
He left the window open all night.
We should leave the possibility of a refund open.
Please leave next Friday open (on your schedule).
The contract has a clause that leaves room for interpretation.
The meeting ended without reaching a conclusion (leaving the matter open).
If he wants to come back, we're leaving the door open (we're ready to accept him).