Translation guide
The English word "open" covers many distinct actions and states. This guide organizes them by meaning, from physical opening to abstract concepts like starting a business or being receptive.
To move something so that it is no longer closed, allowing access or passage.
Transitive verb: to open something. Use this when you are opening a door, window, box, book, etc.
Please open the door.
He opened the window.
Transitive verb: to open something, often used for things that spread out or unfold, like a book, map, or umbrella. Can also be used for doors, but 開ける is more common for everyday objects.
Please open the book.
Intransitive verb: to open (by itself), to be open. Use this when something opens on its own or when describing its state.
The door opened.
This door opens automatically.
To remove a seal, lid, or wrapping to access the contents.
To begin operating a business or to unlock the doors for customers.
To open a store or shop for the day, or to open a new store.
The store opens at 10 a.m.
I opened a new restaurant.
Loanword from English, commonly used for new businesses or events.
A new cafe will open next month.
To open a business, especially a professional practice like a clinic or law office.
He opened a medical practice.
To start a formal gathering or event.
To access digital content by clicking or tapping.
Describing that something is in an open position or accessible.
Willing to consider new ideas; not secretive.
Literally 'heart is wide', meaning open-minded, generous, tolerant.
He is an open-minded person.
Frank, candid, straightforward. Used when someone is open in expressing their thoughts.
Please give me your open (frank) opinion.
Loanword used for 'open' personality or atmosphere.
He has a very open personality.
Something is available for use or participation without restriction.
開ける (akeru) is transitive and used for everyday objects like doors and boxes. 開く (hiraku) is also transitive but often implies unfolding or spreading out (books, umbrellas). 開く (aku) is intransitive and describes something opening by itself or being in an open state. For digital files, 開く (hiraku) is standard.
While 開ける can be used for opening a physical store, it's not used for starting a business in the abstract sense. Use 開店する, 開業する, or オープンする instead.
To say something 'is open', use the te-iru form of the intransitive verb: 開いている (aiteiru). To say 'I opened it', use the past tense of the transitive verb: 開けた (aketa).
The door is open.
Please open the window.
The store opens at 9.
She opened the book.
He is very open about his feelings.
パーティーを始めましょう。
Let's open the party. (Let's start the party.)