Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Opening" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "opening", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
開会
かいかい (kaikai)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
開店
かいてん (kaiten)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "opening" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 開会 and 開店.
In Japanese, 開会 (かいかい (kaikai)) is typically associated with "opening (of a meeting/event)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to the start of a meeting, ceremony, or event. Often used with する.
On the other hand, 開店 (かいてん (kaiten)) maps to "opening of a store/business" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to the act or time when a store or business starts its operations for the day or for the first time. Can be used as a noun or with する. A literal translation of "opening" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "開会"
午後1時に会議が開会されました。
The meeting started at 1 PM.
Bilingual Context for "開店"
このデパートは午前10時に開店します。
This department store opens at 10 AM.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "午後1時に会議が ＿＿＿ されました。" (Meaning: "The meeting started at 1 PM.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "開会" fits here because it means "opening (of a meeting/event)" in the context of: "The meeting started at 1 PM.". "開店" represents "opening of a store/business".