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.
ドアを開けてください。
Please open the door.
彼は窓を開けた。
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.
本を開いてください。
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.
ドアが開いた。
The door opened.
このドアは自動で開きます。
This door opens automatically.
To remove a seal, lid, or wrapping to access the contents.
General verb for opening containers. Works for bottles, cans, envelopes, etc.
缶を開けてください。
Please open the can.
手紙を開けた。
I opened the letter.
Formal or written term for opening a sealed envelope or package.
封筒を開封する。
To open an envelope.
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.
その店は午前10時に開店します。
The store opens at 10 a.m.
新しいレストランを開店した。
I opened a new restaurant.
Loanword from English, commonly used for new businesses or events.
来月、新しいカフェがオープンする。
A new cafe will open next month.
To open a business, especially a professional practice like a clinic or law office.
彼は医院を開業した。
He opened a medical practice.
To start a formal gathering or event.
To open a meeting, conference, or formal event.
会議を開会します。
We will now open the meeting.
General verb meaning 'to start'. Can be used for events in casual contexts.
パーティーを始めましょう。
Let's open the party. (Let's start the party.)
To access digital content by clicking or tapping.
Standard verb for opening digital files, apps, or web pages.
ファイルを開いてください。
Please open the file.
アプリを開く。
Open the app.
Also used, especially in IT contexts, but 開く is more common.
そのリンクをオープンしてください。
Please open that link.
Describing that something is in an open position or accessible.
Intransitive state: is open. Use this for doors, windows, stores, etc.
ドアが開いています。
The door is open.
店はまだ開いていますか？
Is the store still open?
Also means 'is open', often for books, umbrellas, or events. あいている is more common for doors and stores.
本が開いている。
The book is open.
Willing to consider new ideas; not secretive.
Literally 'heart is wide', meaning open-minded, generous, tolerant.
彼は心が広い人だ。
He is an open-minded person.
Frank, candid, straightforward. Used when someone is open in expressing their thoughts.
率直な意見を聞かせてください。
Please give me your open (frank) opinion.
Loanword used for 'open' personality or atmosphere.
彼はとてもオープンな性格だ。
He has a very open personality.
Something is available for use or participation without restriction.
To be open to the public, e.g., a park, facility, or data.
この公園は一般に開放されています。
This park is open to the public.
To be open to the public, often for information, events, or resources.
そのデータは公開されています。
The data is open to the public.
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).
ドアが開いています。
The door is open.
窓を開けてください。
Please open the window.
店は9時に開店します。
The store opens at 9.
彼女は本を開いた。
She opened the book.
彼は自分の気持ちにとても率直だ。
He is very open about his feelings.