Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Opening" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "opening", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
開通
かいつう (kaitsuu)
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 開通 and 開店.
In Japanese, 開通 (かいつう (kaitsuu)) is typically associated with "opening (of a road, railway line, tunnel, etc. for public use)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Specifically refers to the commencement of public use for a newly constructed or previously closed transportation route.
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 "開通"
新しい高速道路が来月開通する予定だ。
The new expressway is scheduled to open next month.
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: "新しい高速道路が来月 ＿＿＿ する予定だ。" (Meaning: "The new expressway is scheduled to open next month.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "開通" fits here because it means "opening (of a road, railway line, tunnel, etc. for public use)" in the context of: "The new expressway is scheduled to open next month.". "開店" represents "opening of a store/business".