Translation guide
To open something by pushing it, such as a door, window, or lid. Japanese uses compound verbs or specific verbs depending on what is being pushed open.
Express the action of pushing something open, typically a door, window, or lid that swings or slides away from you.
Compound verb combining 押す (push) and 開ける (open). Used for pushing open doors, windows, lids, etc. Transitive verb.
彼は重いドアを押し開けた。
He pushed open the heavy door.
窓を押し開けて新鮮な空気を入れた。
I pushed open the window and let in fresh air.
Phrasal equivalent using 押す (push) in te-form + 開ける (open). Slightly more explicit and can be used when the pushing action is emphasized.
その扉は押して開けるタイプです。
That door is the type you push open.
Less common variant using 開く (hiraku) instead of 開ける. Can imply opening something wide or spreading apart. Often used for double doors or gates.
門を押し開いて中に入った。
He pushed open the gate and went inside.
Specifically for sliding doors, fusuma, or shoji that are opened by pushing them aside.
Same compound verb can be used for sliding doors when pushed open. Context clarifies the type of door.
ふすまを押し開けて隣の部屋に入った。
I pushed open the fusuma and entered the next room.
Opening a lid, cover, or hatch by pushing it up or away.
Works for lids that are pushed open, such as a manhole cover or a box lid.
マンホールの蓋を押し開けた。
He pushed open the manhole cover.
Means 'push up' and is used when the lid is lifted upward by pushing. Often for heavy lids or hatches.
Opening something that is stuck, locked, or resistant by applying force.
Means 'push and break through' or 'force open'. Used for doors, barricades, etc. Implies breaking or overcoming resistance.
泥棒はドアを押し破って侵入した。
The burglar forced the door open and broke in.
Means 'pry open' or 'force open' using a tool or leverage. Not purely pushing, but often used for forcing something open.
彼はバールで窓をこじ開けた。
He pried open the window with a crowbar.
押し開ける is a single compound verb and sounds more natural for describing the action. 押して開ける is a phrase that can be used when you want to emphasize the method (by pushing) or in instructions.
このドアは押して開けてください。
Please push this door open.
Simply using 押す (to push) without 開ける may not convey 'open'. You need to combine it with a verb meaning 'open' or use a compound verb.
重い蓋を押し上げて中を覗いた。
I pushed up the heavy lid and peeked inside.