Translation and Meaning of: 開く - hiraku

The word 「開く」 (hiraku) is frequently used in Japanese to describe the act of opening something, whether in a literal sense, like opening a door, or in a more abstract sense, like opening one's mind. Its etymology is interesting and traces back to the use of the kanji 「開」, which is composed of the radicals 「門」 (mon), meaning "gate", and 「開」 (hiraku), representing the act of opening. This pictorial combination illustrates the action of opening a gate or passage.

In the context of the Japanese language, 「開く」 appears in many everyday situations. It can be used to describe the opening of physical objects, such as books and bottles, but also for events or possibilities, for example, opening a business or opening opportunities. This versatility makes 「開く」 a quite common and important word in the Japanese vocabulary. Besides the verbal form, we can find other variations like 「開ける」 (akeru), which also means to open but is used slightly differently depending on the construction of the sentence.

The origin of 「開く」 is closely linked to Japanese culture and history. Traditionally, the opening of gates and doors in villages was a significant event, symbolizing welcome and acceptance. Similarly, the expression has maintained this connotation of creating space or allowing access, both physically and metaphorically. In modern Japanese, 「開く」 is an expression that upholds this rich cultural heritage, full of nuances that manifest in both daily contexts and more abstract or symbolic uses.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 開く

• 開く - basic form
• 開きます - polite form
• 開ける - potential form
• 開けます - Forma potencial educada
• 開けた - past form
• 開けない - negative form
• 開けません - Polite negative form
• 開けよう - imperative form

Synonyms and similar words

• 開ける (akeru) - open
• 解く (toku) - unlock, solve
• 広げる (hirogeru) - expand, open (something in terms of space)
• 張る (haru) - stretch, extend
• 展開する (tenkai suru) - unfold, develop (in broader contexts)
• 設ける (moukeru) - establish, create (something new)
• 始める (hajimeru) - start
• 切り開く (kirihiraku) - open up, pioneer (something new)
• 開始する (kaishi suru) - iniciar

開く

Romaji: hiraku
Kana: ひらく
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n4

Translation / Meaning: To open (for example, a festival)

Meaning in English: to open (e.g. a festival)

Definition: To open something that is closed.

Example Sentences - (開く) hiraku

See below some example sentences:

運命は自分で切り開くものだ。

Unmei wa jibun de kirihiraku mono da

Destiny is something you must pave the way for yourself.

Destiny is something you can open yourself.

• 運命 (unmei) - destination
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 自分 (jibun) - Yourself
• で (de) - Instrument particle
• 切り開く (kiri hiraku) - open the way, clear the way
• もの (mono) - thing
• だ (da) - affirmative form of the verb "to be"

ドアを開く

Doa wo hiraku

Open the door.

open the door

• ドア (doa) - porta
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 開く (hiraku) - open

首脳会議が開かれました。

Shunou kaigi ga hirakaremashita

A reunião de líderes foi realizada.

A cúpula foi realizada.

• 首脳会議 - reunião de líderes
• が - subject particle
• 開かれました - foi realizada/aberta