Translation guide
The English phrase "be open" covers a wide range of meanings, from physical states like a door being ajar to abstract attitudes like being receptive to ideas. This guide breaks down the most common and useful Japanese equivalents for English-speaking learners, organized by intended meaning.
Describing something that is not closed, such as a door, window, container, or a business that is operating.
The most common and general way to say something is physically open. It uses the intransitive verb 開く (あく).
ドアが開いています。
The door is open.
窓が開いている。
The window is open.
Specifically for a shop or business being open for customers.
その店はまだ開店していますか？
Is that store still open?
A sign or state indicating a business is open. Often seen on doors.
看板に「営業中」と書いてある。
The sign says "Open".
Describing a person who is willing to consider new ideas, experiences, or opinions.
Literally "heart is wide," meaning open-minded, generous, and accepting.
彼は心が広い人だ。
He is an open-minded person.
Literally "without prejudice," used to describe someone who is open and unbiased.
彼女は偏見がない。
She is open-minded.
Loanword from English, often used for "open" personality or atmosphere. Casual.
彼はとてもオープンな性格だ。
He has a very open personality.
Expressing willingness to accept or consider something specific.
Pattern meaning "to accept ~." Use with words like 提案 (suggestion) or 意見 (opinion).
新しいアイデアを受け入れる。
To be open to new ideas.
Pattern meaning "to be positive toward ~." Conveys openness and a proactive attitude.
変更に前向きです。
I'm open to changes.
Indicating that a matter is not settled and can still be discussed or changed.
Means "undecided" or "not yet fixed." Commonly used when plans are still open.
日程はまだ未定です。
The schedule is still open.
Means "under consideration." Implies the matter is open for discussion.
その件はまだ検討中です。
That matter is still open for discussion.
Describing an area that is wide, clear, or not enclosed.
Describes a wide, open space like a field or view. Often used as 開けた場所 (open area).
ここは開けた場所だ。
This is an open space.
Means "spacious" or "wide-open," emphasizing a pleasant sense of openness.
広々とした公園。
An open, spacious park.
Doing something in a public or transparent manner, not secretly.
Adverb meaning "openly" or "publicly," often used for actions that might normally be hidden.
彼は公然と反対した。
He openly opposed it.
Literally "without hiding," used to describe speaking or acting openly.
自分の気持ちを隠さずに話す。
To speak openly about one's feelings.
The English phrase "be open" is highly context-dependent. A direct translation like 開いている only works for physical openness. For abstract meanings, you must choose the appropriate Japanese expression based on the intended nuance.
Both mean "to open," but あく is intransitive (something opens by itself) and ひらく can be transitive or intransitive, often implying a deliberate spreading or unfolding (e.g., opening a book, flower blooming). For "be open" as a state, 開いている (あいている) is standard.
ドアが開いています。
The door is open.
彼女は新しいアイデアを受け入れる。
She is open to new ideas.
その店は9時まで開いています。
The store is open until 9.