“To open” in Japanese is 開ける (あける), pronounced akeru.
Pronunciation
The word has 3 beats (morae), each about the same length. Tap a syllable to hear it, or play the whole word:
How to use it
To open something (transitive). When something opens by itself, use 開く: ドアが開く.
Example sentences
- 窓を開けてください。まどをあけてください。Please open the window.
- 箱を開けました。はこをあけました。I opened the box.
Conjugation
The most useful forms of 開ける. The rules are explained in Japanese verbs: the ます form.
| Form | Japanese | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary (plain) | 開ける あける | open |
| Polite present | 開けます あけます | open |
| Polite negative | 開けません あけません | don’t open |
| Polite past | 開けました あけました | past of “open” |
| Plain negative (ない) | 開けない あけない | don’t open (casual) |
| Plain past (た) | 開けた あけた | past of “open” (casual) |
| て-form | 開けて あけて | open and… / please open (+ください) |
| Want to (たい) | 開けたい あけたい | want to open |
Quick practice
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Related words: Everyday verbs
FAQ
How do you say to open in Japanese?
To open in Japanese is 開ける (あける), pronounced “akeru”.
How do you write to open in Japanese?
It's written 開ける with kanji, or あける in hiragana. Both are read akeru.
Is 開ける on the JLPT?
Yes. 開ける (akeru) is a common word at JLPT N5 level, so it's worth learning early.