Translation and Meaning of: 開ける - akeru

If you are studying Japanese, you have certainly come across the verb 開ける (あける), which means "to open". But do you deeply know its origin, how it is used in everyday Japanese or even how to memorize it efficiently? In this article, we will explore everything about this essential word, from its etymology to practical tips for fixing it in your mind. If you use Anki or another spaced repetition memorization method, you will love the example sentences we have prepared to boost your studies!

In addition to its basic meaning, 開ける carries interesting nuances that often go unnoticed. Did you know, for example, that this verb is connected to everyday situations such as opening doors, windows, and even packages? And that its pictogram reveals a lot about its essence? Let’s uncover these details and show how the Japanese really use this word in their daily lives.

The origin and etymology of 開ける

The kanji 開, which makes up the verb 開ける, is formed by the radicals 門 (gate) and 干 (dry). Together, they suggest the idea of "making a gate dry"? Not exactly! In fact, the radical 干 here represents the action of pushing away, as if pushing the doors to open. This mental image helps to understand why this character is associated with the act of opening spaces or objects.

Interestingly, the verb 開ける is considered one of the oldest in the Japanese language, with records dating back to the Heian period (794-1185). It shares the same root as words like 開く (ひらく - to open in the sense of expanding) and 開放的 (かいほうてき - open, in the sense of personality). This family of words demonstrates how the concept of openness is deeply rooted in Japanese culture.

Everyday usage and peculiarities

In Japan, you will hear 開ける in very practical situations: when asking someone to open a window (窓を開けてください), when opening a can of soda (缶を開ける), or even when talking about opening one's heart (心を開く - although here the verb 開く is often used). An interesting peculiarity is that 開ける generally implies a voluntary action - you decide to open something, unlike 開く which can indicate something that opens naturally.

A valuable tip: pay attention to the objects that usually accompany this verb. It is often used with things that have clear "edges" or "closures" - doors, windows, packages, umbrellas. Have you ever tried to open an umbrella in the pouring rain of Tokyo? The Japanese would certainly say 傘を開ける (かさをあける) in that situation. This association with specific objects might be your key to memorization!

Tips for memorization and curiosities

To never forget 開ける, how about creating a mental image? Imagine the kanji 門 (gate) being pushed open by hands (represented by 干) until it opens completely. This little visual story works wonders when trying to the character. Another infallible technique is to associate the sound "akeru" with the expression "Ah, what a relief!" - like when we finally open something that was difficult.

In the world of Japanese puns, 開ける appears in some interesting word games. One example is 開けゴマ (あけごま), a play on the expression "Open Sesame" from Arabian tales, showing how this word is present even in pop culture. And if you've ever watched animes or dramas, you might have noticed how the simple act of opening a door with 開ける can carry enormous emotional weight in important scenes.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 開ける

• 開ける - Positive present form
• 開けない - Present Negative Form
• 開けた - Past form
• 開けるでしょう - Future form

Synonyms and similar words

• 開く (Hiraku) - Open
• 解く (Toku) - Resolve
• 解ける (Tokeru) - To be resolved, to be undone
• 解かす (Tokasu) - Make it solve
• 解き放つ (Toki hanatsu) - Release, let go
• 解除する (Kaijo suru) - Cancel, remove a restriction
• 解放する (Kaihô suru) - Free, release (person or object)
• 開放する (Kaihô suru) - Completely open, free (a space or place)
• 開帳する (Kaitô suru) - Open or disclose (information)
• 展開する (Tenkai suru) - Develop, expand
• 広げる (Hirogeru) - Expand, lengthen, open something that is closed
• 広がる (Hirogaru) - To expand, to spread
• 広める (Hiromeru) - Promote, spread (knowledge or information)
• 許可する (Kyoka suru) - Allow, give permission
• 許す (Yurusu) - Forgive, allow
• 許可を与える (Kyoka o ataeru) - Grant permission
• 許容する (Kyoyou suru) - To tolerate, to accept
• 許容範囲内にする (Kyoyou han'i nai ni suru) - Keep within acceptable limits
• 許容量を超える (Kyoyouryō o koeru) - Exceeding the allowed capacity