Translation guide
The English word 'opening' covers many situations: a physical hole or gap, the start of an event, a job vacancy, or an opportunity. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
A physical space that allows passage or visibility, such as a hole, crack, or gap.
General word for a hole or opening. Can be used for holes in the ground, walls, fabric, etc.
There is a hole in the wall.
A narrow gap or crevice, often between objects. Implies a small space.
Technical term for an opening or aperture, used in architecture, engineering, etc.
The initial part of a ceremony, performance, meeting, or period.
Formal or neutral word for the start or commencement of something.
An available job or position that needs to be filled.
Common word for a vacancy or opening, used for jobs, seats, rooms, etc.
A favorable situation or possibility to do something.
General word for opportunity or chance. Can be used in many contexts.
The time when a store or facility begins operation, or the act of starting business for the day.
The initial moves or phase in a game, especially chess, shogi, or sports.
The opening stage of a game like shogi or go. Also used in sports for the early part of a match.
空き (aki) is a general term for a vacancy and can be used for jobs, seats, or rooms. 求人 (kyūjin) specifically refers to job recruitment and is often seen in advertisements. Use 求人 when talking about the hiring process.
This company always has job openings.
Light is leaking through the gap in the door.
建物の開口部を設計する。
Design the openings of the building.
The opening of the ceremony is at 2 PM.
Loanword from English, often used for the opening of events, stores, or performances. Sounds modern and casual.
I attended the opening ceremony.
Literally 'curtain opening', used figuratively for the beginning of a new era or event. Somewhat literary.
It's the opening of a new era.
現在、営業部に空きがあります。
There is currently an opening in the sales department.
Specifically refers to a job opening or recruitment. Often used in '求人広告' (job advertisement).
I'm looking for job openings.
A vacancy due to someone leaving; a position that needs to be filled. More formal.
We need to fill the opening.
This is a perfect opening.
Loanword from English, casual and common. Often implies a lucky break.
Don't miss the opening to succeed.
An opening in a figurative sense, often a moment of vulnerability or an unguarded moment. Used in competitive contexts.
Attack taking advantage of an opening in the opponent's defense.
Opening of a store or shop. Can also refer to the grand opening of a new store.
Opening is at 10 AM.
More formal term for the start of business operations.
We have changed the opening hours.
They took the lead in the opening.
Used in sports or games, often for the opening ceremony or the first play.
They won the opening game.
オープニング (ōpuningu) is a loanword that only means the start of an event or a store opening. It cannot be used for physical holes or gaps. Use 穴 (ana) or 隙間 (sukima) instead.