Japanese word of the day: 開ける (Akeru)

What does 開ける (Akeru) mean?

開ける (Akeru) (る-verb, transitive) – To open; to unwrap; to unlock. This verb is used when you open doors, windows, boxes, or anything that covers or closes something. It’s a common and essential verb in daily life.

Kanji details for 開

Character: 開 — open, unfold, unseal
Radical: gate 門

Example sentences with 開ける (Akeru)

• ドアを開けてください。
  (Doa o akete kudasai.)
  🚪 Please open the door.

• 窓を開けて新鮮な空気を入れましょう。
  (Mado o akete shinsen na kūki o iremashō.)
  🪟 Open the window and let in fresh air.

• 箱を開けるのが楽しみです。
  (Hako o akeru no ga tanoshimi desu.)
  📦 I’m looking forward to opening the box.

Confused about how to conjugate 開ける (Akeru)?
Our conjugation tables can help.

開ける (Akeru) in context

開ける is a fundamental verb you’ll use every day when interacting with objects that open or unlock. It’s essential for home life, travel, and work. You’ll often hear it in polite requests like “開けてください” (please open) and in casual conversation.

A quick tip: Don’t confuse 開ける (akeru, to open) with 空ける (akeru, to empty or make space), which are homophones but have different meanings and kanji.

Whether you’re opening a door, a window, or a gift, 開ける is the word that helps you get things open in Japanese.