1.
to open
To make something accessible.
本を開く。
To open a book.
傘を開く。
To open an umbrella.
新しい店を開く。
To open a new shop.
地図を開いて道を確認した。
I opened the map and checked the route.
彼は去年、駅前に新しいレストランを開いた。
He opened a new restaurant in front of the station last year.
2.
to hold, to host
To organize an event.
会議を開く。
To hold a meeting.
パーティーを開く。
To hold a party.
来月、展覧会を開く予定だ。
We plan to hold an exhibition next month.
講演会を開いて、多くの人が集まった。
We held a lecture and many people gathered.
友達の誕生日に、サプライズパーティーを開いた。
I threw a surprise party for my friend's birthday.
開く has two main meanings: (1) to open something physical, and (2) to hold/organize an event.
TRANSITIVITY:
- Type: 他動詞 (transitive)
- Takes を particle
DON'T CONFUSE (all use 開):
- 開く: to open (formal), to hold events
- 開く: to open by itself (intransitive)
- 開ける: to open something (transitive, everyday)
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 本を開く: to open a book
- 会議を開く: to hold a meeting
- パーティーを開く: to throw a party
- 店を開く: to open a shop/business
- 目を開く: to open one's eyes (literary)
REGISTER:
開く sounds more formal/literary than 開ける for physical opening. For events, 開く is the standard choice.