Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Open" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "open", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
開ける
あける (akeru)
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 開ける and 開く.
In Japanese, 開ける (あける (akeru)) is typically associated with "to open (something)" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Transitive verb.
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 "開ける"
ドアを開けてください。
Please open the door.
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: "ドアを開けてください。" (Meaning: "Please open the door.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "開ける" fits here because it means "to open (something)" in the context of: "Please open the door.". "開く" represents "to open (intransitive)".