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.
ドアを開ける
open the door
窓を開けてください。
Please open the window.
Transitive verb meaning 'to close' something like a door, window, or lid. Used when someone performs the action.
ドアを閉める
close the door
窓を閉めてもいいですか。
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.
ドアが閉まる
the door closes
自動でドアが閉まります。
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.
目を開ける
open one's eyes
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).
その店は午前10時に開店します。
That store opens at 10 a.m.
新しいレストランが開店した。
A new restaurant opened.
Verb meaning 'to close a store' (for the day or permanently).
その店は午後8時に閉店します。
That store closes at 8 p.m.
あの店は先月閉店した。
That store closed last month.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to open' (for business). Used for shops, events, etc.
店は何時に開きますか。
What time does the store open?
Intransitive verb meaning 'to close' (for business).
Loanword from English, used for openings of shops or events, often with a modern or casual feel.
来月新しいカフェがオープンする。
A new cafe will open next month.
Loanword from English, used for closing shops or events, often in business contexts.
その店は先週クローズした。
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.
会議を始めましょう。
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.
これで閉会します。
We will now close the meeting.
Formal verb meaning 'to open a meeting' or 'convene'.
開会の辞
opening address
To express opening or closing digital items like files, apps, or browser tabs.
Used for opening files, apps, etc. on a computer or phone.
ファイルを開く
open a file
アプリを開いてください。
Please open the app.
Used for closing files, apps, tabs, etc.
タブを閉じる
close a tab
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'.
close a book
目を閉じる
close one's eyes
口を閉じなさい。
Shut your mouth.
close one's eyes
The store closes at 5.
The meeting will end at 5.
そのウィンドウを閉じてください。
Please close that window.