Translation guide
The concept of 'opening and shutting' refers to the paired actions of opening and closing something, often a door, window, lid, or similar object. In Japanese, this is commonly expressed with compound verbs or paired verbs, and the choice depends on the type of object and the manner of opening/shutting.
Express the general action of opening and closing something like a door, window, or lid, often in a repeated or habitual manner.
A compound noun/verb meaning 'opening and closing'. It is the most common and neutral way to express the paired action. Can be used as a suru-verb (開け閉めする).
ドアの開け閉めがうるさい。
The opening and shutting of the door is noisy.
窓を開け閉めする。
I open and shut the window.
A more formal or technical compound meaning 'opening and closing'. Often used for mechanical or automatic operations, such as doors, gates, or valves. Can be used as a suru-verb (開閉する).
自動ドアが開閉する。
The automatic door opens and shuts.
橋の開閉式。
The opening and closing system of the bridge.
A phrase using the -tari form to list actions, meaning 'opening and closing (and such)' or 'doing things like opening and closing'. It implies repeated or alternating actions.
彼はドアを開けたり閉めたりしている。
He keeps opening and shutting the door.
Describe the action of opening and closing the mouth, often in the context of speaking, eating, or being speechless.
Literally 'to open and close the mouth'. Used for physical actions like eating or exercising the jaw.
口を開け閉めして、あごの運動をする。
I open and shut my mouth to exercise my jaw.
An onomatopoeic expression meaning to open and close one's mouth repeatedly, often like a fish gasping or when someone is at a loss for words.
彼は驚いて口をパクパクさせた。
He was so surprised that he just opened and shut his mouth (like a fish).
Express the action of opening and closing the eyes, such as blinking or winking.
Literally 'to open and close the eyes'. Used for deliberate or noticeable actions.
目を開け閉めして、乾燥を防ぐ。
I open and shut my eyes to prevent dryness.
The noun for 'blink' or 'blinking', which inherently involves opening and shutting the eyes rapidly. Can be used as a suru-verb (瞬きする).
彼女は何度も瞬きをした。
She blinked (opened and shut her eyes) many times.
Describe the action of opening and closing something that folds or hinges, like a book, fan, or umbrella.
Using the verbs 開く (hiraku) for opening something that unfolds and 閉じる (tojiru) for closing it. This pair is used for books, fans, umbrellas, etc.
彼は本を開いたり閉じたりしながら考えた。
He thought while opening and shutting the book.
Also used for folding objects, especially in technical contexts.
傘の開閉がスムーズだ。
The opening and shutting of the umbrella is smooth.
開け閉め (akeshime) is the everyday term for manual opening and closing of things like doors and windows. 開閉 (kaihei) is more formal and often used for mechanical or automatic systems, or in technical descriptions.
The verbs used for 'open' and 'shut' depend on the object. For doors and windows, use 開ける (akeru) / 閉める (shimeru). For books, fans, and folding items, use 開く (hiraku) / 閉じる (tojiru). For eyes and mouth, 開ける (akeru) / 閉じる (tojiru) is common.