開: the kanji for open
開 is a JLPT N4 kanji that means open. Below are its readings, 11 common words and example sentences, all with audio.
Stroke order
開 is written in 12 strokes. The red stroke is the one to write next, and the dot shows where it starts.
Words by reading
開 has 5 readings in the official Jōyō Kanji Table. Below are 11 common words grouped by reading. Tap ▶ to hear each word (audio plays with a free account).
カイ (kai)
On reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 開始かいし · kaishi | start |
| 開発かいはつ · kaihatsu | development |
| 開店かいてん · kaiten | opening of a store |
| 公開こうかい · kōkai | release; making public |
| 展開てんかい · tenkai | development; expansion |
| 再開さいかい · saikai | resumption |
| 開会かいかい · kaikai | opening of a meeting |
| 開催かいさい · kaisai | holding (an event) |
ひらく (hiraku)
Kun reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 開くひらく · hiraku | to open; to hold (an event) |
あく (aku)
Kun reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 開くあく · aku | to open (door, store) |
あける (akeru)
Kun reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 開けるあける · akeru | to open (something) |
Example sentences for work and daily life
- 窓を開けてもいいですか。Mado o akete mo ii desu ka.May I open the window?
- 銀行は九時に開きます。Ginkō wa kuji ni akimasu.The bank opens at nine.
- 来月、説明会を開きます。Raigetsu, setsumeikai o hirakimasu.We'll hold an information session next month.
- 会議を十時に開始します。Kaigi o jūji ni kaishi shimasu.We'll start the meeting at ten.
- 新しいアプリを開発しています。Atarashii apuri o kaihatsu shite imasu.We're developing a new app.
- 工事のあと、店は営業を再開しました。Kōji no ato, mise wa eigyō o saikai shimashita.The store reopened after the construction work.
Questions about 開
How many strokes does 開 have?
開 is written in 12 strokes. The stroke order is shown at the top of this page.
What are the readings of 開?
The on readings are kai (カイ). The kun readings are hiraku (ひらく), hirakeru (ひらける), aku (あく), akeru (あける).
Is 開く read aku or hiraku?
Both are correct. あく (aku) means something opens by itself, as in a door or a store opening. ひらく (hiraku) is used for opening a book or an umbrella, and for holding an event or meeting.
What JLPT level is 開?
N4. The JLPT does not publish official kanji lists, so this level is a guide based on the official Test Content Specifications used through 2009.
About the JLPT level
The JLPT does not publish official lists of kanji for each level. The level on this page is a guide based on the official Test Content Specifications used for the test through 2009. The JLPT states that the current N4 is designed to match the former Level 3.
More JLPT N4 kanji
Movement and actions
Executive Japanese by CCN is one-on-one online Japanese for managers and directors doing business in Japan.
Sources
- Jōyō Kanji Table (常用漢字表), Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan, 2010: readings and special readings of 開
- JLPT Frequently Asked Questions, The Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services: how current levels match the former levels
- Stroke order diagrams are based on KanjiVG by Ulrich Apel, used under CC BY-SA 3.0. The diagrams on this page are shared under the same license.