Translation guide
The English phrase "open up" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: physically opening something, starting a business or event, becoming more communicative, and making opportunities available.
To cause something closed to become open, such as a door, window, box, or lid.
Transitive verb meaning 'to open' something. Use this when you are opening an object.
Please open the window.
He opened the door.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to open' (something opens by itself). Use this when the subject opens on its own.
The door suddenly opened.
Transitive verb meaning 'to open' (a book, a map, an event, etc.). Often used for opening things that unfold or spread out.
Please open the book.
To begin operating a business, store, or event, or to make it available for the first time.
Transitive verb used for opening a shop, restaurant, or event. Can also be intransitive for the shop opening.
He opened a new restaurant.
Loanword from English, commonly used for businesses opening, especially in casual or commercial contexts.
That cafe opened last week.
Formal term for starting a business or practice (e.g., medical, legal).
He opened a medical practice.
To start talking more freely about personal thoughts or feelings, or to become less reserved.
Literally 'open one's heart/mind'. Used when someone becomes emotionally open or receptive.
She doesn't open up easily.
Why don't you try opening up to him?
To become friendly and relaxed with someone, to open up and feel at ease.
To say what one really thinks; to speak honestly. Implies revealing true feelings.
He rarely opens up about his true feelings.
To create new opportunities, possibilities, or access that were not available before.
Literally 'open a path/way'. Used for creating new opportunities or possibilities.
This invention opened up new possibilities.
To carve out, pioneer, or open up (a path, future, etc.). Often used for forging ahead despite difficulties.
To open up or liberalize (a market, system, etc.). Often used in economic or political contexts.
The government opened up the market.
English 'open up' is often used figuratively. Direct translation with 開ける only works for physical opening. For emotional opening, use 心を開く or 打ち解ける. For starting a business, use 開く or オープンする.
開ける (あける) is transitive: you open something. 開く (ひらく) can be both transitive and intransitive, and is used for opening things that spread out (books, maps, events). 開く (あく) is intransitive: something opens by itself. Choose based on whether there is a direct object and the nature of the opening.
A new store will open next month.
I opened up to him right away.
He opened up his own future.