Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "開ける", "開く", "開通する", "うちとける"
All represent the core concept "open", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
開ける
あける (akeru)
N5 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
開く
あく (aku)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
開通する
かいつうする (kaitsū suru)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
うちとける
うちとける (uchitokeru)
N2 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "open" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "開ける", "開く", "開通する", "うちとける" based on context.
- 開ける (あける (akeru) - Level: N5): Maps to "to open (something)" and is used when Transitive verb.
- 開く (あく (aku) - Level: N4): Maps to "to open (intransitive)" and is used when Intransitive verb. Used when something opens on its own or is opened by an unspecified agent.
- 開通する (かいつうする (kaitsū suru) - Level: N3): Maps to "to open (for traffic), to be completed (e.g., a tunnel, bridge, line)" and is used when Used for infrastructure like roads, railways, tunnels, or new services becoming available for public use. It's an intransitive verb..
- うちとける (うちとける (uchitokeru) - Level: N2): Maps to "to open one's heart, to feel at home, to relax, to be frank" and is used when Describes the process of becoming comfortable and relaxed with someone, allowing one's true self to show. Often implies breaking down barriers. 心を開き、親しくなる様子を表します。.
Context for "開ける"
ドアを開けてください。
Please open the door.
Context for "開く"
ドアが自動的に開きます。
The door opens automatically.
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.
Context for "うちとける"
初めて会った人ともすぐにうちとけることができる。
I can quickly feel at ease even with people I meet for the first time.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
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" is correct here because it represents "to open (something)" in the context: "Please open the door.".