Translation guide
How to express the idea of 'leaving something open' in Japanese, covering physical objects, abstract possibilities, and common set phrases.
To describe the state of having left a physical object open, either intentionally or by accident.
The most common and natural way to say 'leave open' for doors, windows, lids, etc. It implies leaving something open, often carelessly or for a duration.
ドアを開けっ放しにしないでください。
Please don't leave the door open.
窓を開けっ放しにして寝てしまった。
I fell asleep with the window left open.
A slightly more neutral way to say 'leave open', focusing on the state of being open. Can be used for intentional leaving open.
換気のために窓を開けたままにしておきます。
I'll leave the window open for ventilation.
Specifically means 'forget to close', implying the open state is a mistake.
冷蔵庫のドアを閉め忘れた。
I forgot to close the fridge door (and left it open).
To express that a decision, plan, or opportunity is not yet finalized and remains available.
Literally 'leave a possibility'. Used when you want to keep an option available.
交渉の可能性を残しておきたい。
I want to leave the possibility of negotiation open.
Literally 'leave an option/choice'. Similar to above but emphasizes having alternatives.
他の選択肢も残しておこう。
Let's leave other options open.
Means 'keep a schedule slot open/free'. Used for leaving time available.
来週の金曜日は予定を空けておいてください。
Please leave next Friday open (on your schedule).
Literally 'leave room/leeway'. Used in formal contexts to mean leaving room for interpretation, negotiation, or change.
契約には解釈の余地を残す条項がある。
The contract has a clause that leaves room for interpretation.
To indicate that an issue, problem, or question has not been settled and remains open.
Means 'leave unresolved'. Used for problems, cases, or questions.
その問題は未解決のままにされている。
That problem has been left open (unresolved).
Literally 'put on the shelf'. Means to shelve or leave an issue open for later, often intentionally.
その件はとりあえず棚上げにしよう。
Let's leave that matter open for now (shelve it).
Literally 'not draw a conclusion'. Used when a decision is deliberately left open.
会議では結論を出さずに終わった。
The meeting ended without reaching a conclusion (leaving the matter open).
To express that one is welcome to come back or that a relationship is not completely severed.
A direct translation of the English idiom, commonly understood in Japanese business or personal contexts.
いつでも戻ってこれるように、ドアは開けておくよ。
I'll leave the door open for you to come back anytime.
Means 'be prepared to accept/welcome'. A more explicit way to say the door is open.
彼が戻りたいなら、いつでも受け入れる用意がある。
If he wants to come back, we're leaving the door open (we're ready to accept him).
Simply using '開ける' (to open) without a phrase like '〜っぱなし' or '〜まま' does not convey the sense of 'leaving' open. For example, 'ドアを開ける' just means 'open the door', not 'leave the door open'.
'開けっ放し' often carries a nuance of carelessness or neglect, while '開けたまま' is more neutral and can be used for intentional states. Choose based on whether the leaving open is accidental or deliberate.
彼は一晩中窓を開けっ放しにした。
He left the window open all night.
返金の可能性は残しておくべきだ。
We should leave the possibility of a refund open.