Japanese by CCN
Japanese dictionary

How to say "open" in Japanese

あける · akeru

To "open" something is 開ける (akeru). When a store or door opens, use 開く (aku). "Is it open?" is 開いていますか (aite imasu ka).

▶ plays native audio. Audio on this site plays when you are logged in to your free japanese.ccn.jp account (the same account as Japanese Talk by CCN).

Ways to say "open" in Japanese

JapaneseWhen to use it
あける · akeruTo open (something).
あく · akuTo open (by itself); a store opens.
あいている · aite iruOpen (a store, a door).
えいぎょうちゅう · eigyōchūOpen (sign: open for business).

How to use it

An "Open" sign on a store says 営業中 (eigyōchū).

To open a file on a computer is 開く, read hiraku.

Example sentences

Kanji in this word

Questions

What is the difference between 開ける and 開く?

開ける (akeru) is opening something: ドアを開ける. 開く (aku) is something opening: ドアが開く.

How do you say "open a file" in Japanese?

Say ファイルを開く (fairu o hiraku). For files and books, 開く is read hiraku.

Using Japanese at work?

Executive Japanese by CCN is one-on-one online Japanese for managers and directors doing business in Japan.

See Executive Japanese