Translation guide
This guide covers how to express the concepts of opening and closing things in Japanese, including doors, windows, books, shops, and events. Japanese uses different verbs depending on what is being opened or closed and how.
To express the action of opening or closing a door, window, lid, or similar object.
Transitive verb meaning 'to open' something like a door, window, or box. Used when someone performs the action.
open the door
Please open the window.
Transitive verb meaning 'to close' something like a door, window, or lid. Used when someone performs the action.
close the door
May I close the window?
Intransitive verb meaning 'to open' by itself. Used when something opens on its own or the state is described.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to close' by itself. Used when something closes on its own or the state is described.
the door closes
The door closes automatically.
To express opening or closing items that have a folding or spreading action, such as books, eyes, mouths, or umbrellas.
Transitive verb meaning 'to open' something that unfolds or spreads, like a book, umbrella, or your eyes/mouth. Note: same kanji as intransitive 開く (あく) but different reading.
Transitive verb meaning 'to close' something that folds or shuts, like a book, eyes, or mouth. Also used for closing a meeting or event.
Can also be used for opening eyes or mouth, but 開く (ひらく) is more common for these. 開ける is more for physical objects like doors.
Can be used for closing eyes or mouth, but 閉じる is more common. 閉める is more for doors and windows.
To express the opening or closing of a shop, business, or event for the day or permanently.
Verb meaning 'to open a store' (for the day or for the first time). Often used in the form 開店しています (is open).
That store opens at 10 a.m.
A new restaurant opened.
Verb meaning 'to close a store' (for the day or permanently).
That store closes at 8 p.m.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to open' (for business). Used for shops, events, etc.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to close' (for business).
Loanword from English, used for openings of shops or events, often with a modern or casual feel.
A new cafe will open next month.
Loanword from English, used for closing shops or events, often in business contexts.
That store closed last week.
To express the start or end of a meeting, ceremony, or formal event.
Transitive verb meaning 'to start' or 'to open' a meeting or event.
Let's start the meeting.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to end' or 'to close' (for events). Transitive form is 終える (おえる).
Formal verb meaning 'to close a meeting' or 'adjourn'. Used in official contexts.
We will now close the meeting.
Formal verb meaning 'to open a meeting' or 'convene'.
opening address
To express opening or closing digital items like files, apps, or browser tabs.
開ける (akeru) is used for opening things that swing or slide open, like doors and windows. 開く (hiraku) is used for things that unfold or spread open, like books, umbrellas, and eyes. However, there is some overlap, and 開ける can also be used for eyes and mouth.
閉める (shimeru) is for closing doors, windows, and lids. 閉じる (tojiru) is for closing books, eyes, mouths, and also for ending meetings or events. Using the wrong one can sound unnatural.
Be careful with transitive (〜を開ける/閉める) and intransitive (〜が開く/閉まる) verbs. Using the wrong particle can change the meaning. For example, ドアを開ける means 'I open the door', while ドアが開く means 'the door opens'.
目を開く
open one's eyes
本を閉じる
close a book
close one's eyes
Shut your mouth.
open one's eyes
close one's eyes
That store closed last month.
What time does the store open?
The store closes at 5.
The meeting will end at 5.
close a tab
Please close that window.