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
開通する
かいつうする (kaitsū suru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "open" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 開ける and 開通する.
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, 開通する (かいつうする (kaitsū suru)) maps to "to open (for traffic), to be completed (e.g., a tunnel, bridge, line)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Used for infrastructure like roads, railways, tunnels, or new services becoming available for public use. It's an intransitive verb.. 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 "開通する"
新しい高速道路が来月開通する予定だ。
The new highway is scheduled to open next month.
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.". "開通する" represents "to open (for traffic), to be completed (e.g., a tunnel, bridge, line)".