Meaning

Primary

To Open Something

Word Type

transitive verb, ichidan verb

Explanation

This word consists of kanji with hiragana attached. Because the hiragana ends with an sound, you know this word is a verb. The kanji itself means open and the verb vocab version is to open something.

Reading

あける
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

Since this word consists of a kanji with hiragana attached, you can bet that it will use the kun'yomi reading. You didn't learn that reading with this kanji, so here's a mnemonic to help you:

You go to open the door. When you do, a huge scream comes out: "AAAHHH!" (). Imagine giant characters flying out of the door you opened as well.

Context

Pattern of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • ドアを開ける

    to open a door

    目を開ける

    to open one's eyes

    戸を開ける

    to open the door

Context Sentences

ドアを開けると、外から風が入ってきた。

When I opened the door, the wind came in from outside.

「ねぇ。このワイン、開けてもらえないかな?」「もちろん。そんなの楽勝さ。」

"Hey. Can you open this wine?" "Of course. It's a piece of cake."

一日も休まずに、毎朝魚屋開けるというのは大役です。

It is a big role to open a fish shop every single morning without missing a day.

Kanji Composition