開

JLPT N4

Open

Readings

On’yomi: カイ (kai)

Kun’yomi: ひら(く), あ(ける) (hira(ku), a(keru))

• ひら.く (hiraku) – to open, to unfold • あ.ける (akeru) – to open (something) • あ.く (aku) – to become open

Structure

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Detailed Explanation

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Mnemonic

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Etymology

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Visual Tip

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Vocabulary

開く

ひらく

to open

開始

かいし

start

開店

かいてん

opening store

公開

こうかい

public release

開発

かいはつ

development

Example Sentences

店が開きます。

みせがひらきます。

The shop opens.

会議を開始します。

かいぎをかいしします。

The meeting starts.

Cultural Note

🚪 In Japanese culture, 開 (open) is associated with new beginnings, opportunities, and festivals.
• Many temples, shrines, and shops mark openings with 開門 (かいもん / opening of gates) for ceremonies or seasonal events.
• 開運 (かいうん) literally means “open luck,” a common phrase in New Year’s traditions — symbolizing opening your life to good fortune.
• Gates (門) symbolize thresholds, so opening them is ritually and metaphorically significant in Japan.