Japanese word

開ける

Pronunciation

Romajiakeru

Meaning

  • verbopen

Example

ドアを開けます。do a o a ke ma su

I open the door.

Illustration for 開ける (open)

More examples

窓を開けます。mado o a ke ma su

I open the window.

暑いので、窓を開けてください。atsu i no de mado o a ke te ku da sa i

Since it is hot, please open the window.

Core concept

Describes making a closed door, window, or container no longer block access to what lies beyond or inside.

Common phrases

  • 鍵を開けるkagi o a ke ru

    unlock a door

  • 窓を開けるmado o a ke ru

    open a window

  • ドアを開けるdo a o a ke ru

    open a door

Similar words

開くaku: To become open without stating who or what causes the opening.

Definition in Japanese

閉じているものを開いた状態にし、鍵を外したり包みをほどいたりして、通行や中身への接触を可能にすること。to ji te i ru mo no o hira i ta jō tai ni shi kagi o hazu shi ta ri tsutsu mi o ho do i ta ri shi te tsū kō ya naka mi e no ses shoku o ka nō ni su ru ko to

Word origin

開ける (akeru) is a native Japanese transitive verb related to 開く (aku, "to become open"); the -eru form expresses making something reach that open state.

Usage tips

  • The phrase 店を開ける (mise o akeru) refers not only to opening a shop physically but also to making it ready to receive customers.

Other meanings

  • unlockverb
  • unwrapverb

Opposites

Related words

  • 開け方akekataway to opennoun

Word lists with this word