Translation guide
The English verb 'unwrap' means to remove the wrapping from something. In Japanese, the most natural way to express this depends on what is being unwrapped and the context. Common verbs include 開ける (akeru) for opening packages or boxes, 取る (toru) for removing wrapping, and ほどく (hodoku) for untying or undoing knots. For gifts, 包みを開ける (tsutsumi o akeru) is typical. This guide covers the main ways to say 'unwrap' in everyday Japanese.
To remove the outer covering of a package, box, or something wrapped in paper or plastic, such as a gift or a delivery box.
This is the most common way to say 'unwrap a package/gift'. 包み (tsutsumi) means 'wrapped item' or 'package', and 開ける (akeru) means 'to open'.
I'm looking forward to unwrapping my birthday present.
Simply 'to open'. Used when the context makes it clear you are opening a wrapped item. Often used with objects like 箱 (hako, box) or プレゼント (purezento, present).
Try unwrapping the box.
Literally 'open the wrapping'. More specific than just 開ける, used when emphasizing the act of removing the wrapping material.
Please be careful when unwrapping the product.
Literally 'remove the wrapping'. Used when the wrapping is something you take off, like plastic wrap or paper.
It's hard to unwrap this.
To take off the wrapping from something like candy, a snack, or a small object wrapped in plastic or paper.
Means 'to peel' or 'to unwrap' for things like candy or fruit. For wrapped sweets, むく is very common.
Unwrap a candy.
Means 'to peel off' or 'to tear off'. Used when removing a sticker, seal, or tightly wrapped plastic.
Also used for small packages like bags of chips or boxes of cookies.
To remove a ribbon, string, or cord that is tied around something, often as part of unwrapping.
Means 'to untie', 'to undo', or 'to unravel'. Used for knots, ribbons, strings, etc.
Untie the ribbon and open the present.
Also means 'to untie' or 'to solve'. Can be used for untying strings or knots, but ほどく is more common for physical untying.
To remove a bandage, cloth, or furoshiki (wrapping cloth) from something.
開ける (akeru) is the general word for 'open' and works for boxes, bags, and most packages. むく (muku) is specifically for peeling or unwrapping things like fruit or candy. ほどく (hodoku) is for untying knots or ribbons. Choose based on the action involved.
Open a box, peel an orange, untie shoelaces
The loanword アンラップ (anrappu) is not commonly used in Japanese. It may be understood in some technical contexts (like software), but for everyday unwrapping, use the native verbs above.
Peel off the seal before opening.
Open a bag of snacks.
Untie the string.
Take off the furoshiki (wrapping cloth).