開ける
akeru[a̠ke̞ɾɯ̟]
The English word "open" (not closed) can be translated into Japanese as 開ける (akeru).
The term 開ける is used to describe the action of opening something. When you want to describe a business being open, you may use the formal term 営業中, which literally means "in business".
Meaning: not closed (adj)
Which one should you use?
The verb 開ける is transitive, meaning it is used when a person performs the action of opening an object, such as a door or a window. This differs from the intransitive verb 開く, which is used when something opens on its own or is simply in an open state.
How does it change in a sentence?
開ける is a transitive verb that requires an object. To describe the current state of something being open, you use the continuous form 開いている. If you wish to make a polite request to someone to open something, you should use the te-form 開けて.
How do you pronounce it?
akeru
Did you know?
- Because the distinction between transitive 開ける and intransitive 開く is so strict, using the wrong one can make it sound like a door opened by magic.
- The word 開ける is a cognate with the words for 'to dawn' and 'to empty'. These three different concepts share the same pronunciation because they all describe the act of creating a space or revealing something.
- Japanese metaphors for 'opening' a heart or a mind tend to use words related to 'broadening' instead of the direct verb for opening an object.
Examples in context
- 窓を開けるな。Don't open the window.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of 開ける in a negative command.Tatoeba #140344 by KK_kaku_, translation #274217 by CK
- この箱は開けるな。Don't open this box.This sentence shows how to use 開ける with a specific object like a box.Tatoeba #10140809 by small_snow, translation #3826054 by CK
- けってドアを開けるな。Don't kick the door open.This sentence demonstrates using 開ける in the context of an action being performed on a door.Tatoeba #225247 by bunbuku, translation #62584 by CK
- ドアは開いています。The door is open.
- このレストランは営業中です。This restaurant is open for business.
- このドアは開いてるよ。This door is open.
- 26 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Misaki and Ren are entering a room.
- 美咲 Misakiドアを開けるね。Doa o hikeru ne.I'll open the door.
- 蓮 Renありがとう、美咲。Arigatou, Misaki.Thanks, Misaki.
- 美咲 Misaki窓も開ける？Mado mo hikeru?Should I open the window too?
- 蓮 Renうん、お願い。Un, onegai.Yes, please.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 開ける, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 開ける, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
