Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Open" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "open", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
開けます
あけます (akemasu)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
開く
あく (aku)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "open" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 開けます and 開く.
In Japanese, 開けます (あけます (akemasu)) is typically associated with "to open" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Transitive verb. Used for opening doors, windows, books, shops, eyes, etc. The object is marked with を..
On the other hand, 開く (あく (aku)) maps to "to open (intransitive)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Intransitive verb. Used when something opens on its own or is opened by an unspecified agent. A literal translation of "open" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "開けます"
窓を開けます。
I open the window.
Bilingual Context for "開く"
ドアが自動的に開きます。
The door opens automatically.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "窓を ＿＿＿ 。" (Meaning: "I open the window.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "開けます" fits here because it means "to open" in the context of: "I open the window.". "開く" represents "to open (intransitive)".