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.
壁に穴が開いている。
There is a hole in the wall.
A narrow gap or crevice, often between objects. Implies a small space.
ドアの隙間から光が漏れている。
Light is leaking through the gap in the door.
Technical term for an opening or aperture, used in architecture, engineering, etc.
建物の開口部を設計する。
Design the openings of the building.
The initial part of a ceremony, performance, meeting, or period.
Formal or neutral word for the start or commencement of something.
式典の開始は午後2時です。
The opening of the ceremony is at 2 PM.
Literally 'curtain opening', used figuratively for the beginning of a new era or event. Somewhat literary.
An available job or position that needs to be filled.
Common word for a vacancy or opening, used for jobs, seats, rooms, etc.
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).
A vacancy due to someone leaving; a position that needs to be filled. More formal.
A favorable situation or possibility to do something.
General word for opportunity or chance. Can be used in many contexts.
これは絶好の機会だ。
This is a perfect opening.
Loanword from English, casual and common. Often implies a lucky break.
An opening in a figurative sense, often a moment of vulnerability or an unguarded moment. Used in competitive contexts.
相手の隙をついて攻撃する。
Attack taking advantage of an opening in the opponent's defense.
The time when a store or facility begins operation, or the act of starting business for the day.
Opening of a store or shop. Can also refer to the grand opening of a new store.
開店は午前10時です。
Opening is at 10 AM.
More formal term for the start of business operations.
営業開始時間を変更しました。
We have changed the opening hours.
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.
序盤でリードを奪った。
They took the lead in the opening.
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.
この会社は常に求人を出している。
This company always has job openings.
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.
Loanword from English, often used for the opening of events, stores, or performances. Sounds modern and casual.
オープニングセレモニーに参加した。
I attended the opening ceremony.
新時代の幕開けだ。
It's the opening of a new era.
求人情報を探している。
I'm looking for job openings.
欠員を補充する必要がある。
We need to fill the opening.
Don't miss the opening to succeed.
Used in sports or games, often for the opening ceremony or the first play.
オープニングゲームで勝利した。
They won the opening game.