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A1 verb 9 Min. Lesezeit

열다

yeolda

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Erklärung 열다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, '열다' is taught as a basic action verb meaning 'to open.' Learners focus on physical objects that are part of daily life. The primary goal is to use '열다' with nouns like '문' (door), '창문' (window), and '가방' (bag). Grammatically, A1 students learn the present tense '열어요' and the past tense '열었어요.' They also encounter the 'ㄹ-irregular' rule for the first time, learning that the 'ㄹ' drops in '엽니다' and '여세요.' At this stage, the focus is on simple subject-object-verb sentences like '저는 문을 열어요' (I open the door). Learners are encouraged to distinguish '열다' from '켜다' (to turn on) to avoid common mistakes with lights and electronics. Simple imperatives like '열어 주세요' (Please open it) are also introduced for practical communication in classrooms or shops.

At the A2 level, learners expand their use of '열다' to include social and business contexts. They learn to use it for 'opening' events like parties (파티를 열다) or meetings (회의를 열다). The concept of 'opening' a business (가게를 열다) is also introduced. Grammatically, A2 students begin to use auxiliary verb constructions like '열어 보다' (to open and see/check) and '열어 두다' (to leave open). They also learn the passive form '열리다' (to be opened) and how it differs from the active '열다.' For example, they can distinguish between '내가 문을 열다' (I open the door) and '문이 열리다' (The door opens). This level also introduces more varied sentence endings like '-고 싶다' (want to) and '-ㄹ 수 있다' (can), allowing for sentences like '창문을 열고 싶어요' (I want to open the window).

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At the B1 level, the metaphorical and idiomatic uses of '열다' become more prominent. Learners are introduced to phrases like '마음을 열다' (to open one's heart), '입을 열다' (to open one's mouth/start talking), and '길을 열다' (to open a path/pave the way). They start to see '열다' in news reports and more formal settings, where it might describe opening an era (시대를 열다) or a new market (시장을 열다). B1 learners are expected to handle the ㄹ-irregularity perfectly across all conjugations, including modifiers like '여는 사람' (the person who opens) and '연 문' (the door that was opened). They also begin to compare '열다' with its Sino-Korean counterparts like '개최하다' and '개방하다' in reading passages, understanding the difference in register and specificity.

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At the B2 level, '열다' is used in complex sentence structures and more nuanced rhetorical contexts. Learners use it to describe abstract concepts like 'opening a new chapter in history' or 'opening the possibilities' (가능성을 열다). They are comfortable using '열다' in various grammatical forms, such as causative or honorific nuances. B2 students can explain the subtle differences between '열다' and synonyms like '펴다' or '따다' in detail. They also encounter '열다' in literature and professional documents, where it may be used to set a scene or define the start of a project. At this stage, the focus shifts to using '열다' naturally within longer discourses, ensuring that the choice of '열다' versus a more formal alternative fits the intended tone of the conversation or writing.

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At the C1 level, '열다' is understood in its most sophisticated and literary forms. Learners can appreciate how '열다' is used in poetry or high-level journalism to evoke imagery, such as '새벽을 열다' (opening the dawn/starting the day early). They can use the word to discuss complex socioeconomic issues, such as '시장 개방' (market opening) vs. '시장을 열다'. C1 learners are also proficient in using '열다' in highly formal or archaic-sounding constructions if needed for specific stylistic effects. They understand the deep cultural connotations of 'opening' in Korean society, such as the significance of 'opening' a house to guests. Their mastery of the word includes knowing exactly when *not* to use it in favor of a highly specialized technical term.

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At the C2 level, '열다' is a tool for creative and masterful expression. The learner uses it with the same flexibility and nuance as a highly educated native speaker. They can play with the word's multiple meanings to create puns, metaphors, or persuasive arguments. Whether writing a philosophical essay about 'opening the mind' or delivering a keynote speech about 'opening a new era of technology,' the C2 learner uses '열다' and its derivatives with perfect precision. They have an intuitive grasp of the word's history and its relationship to other words in the Korean lexicon. At this level, '열다' is no longer just a vocabulary item; it is a versatile element of the learner's overall linguistic artistry, used to convey subtle shades of meaning and emotion.

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열다 in 30 Sekunden

열다 (yeolda) is a basic Korean verb meaning 'to open,' used for doors, windows, and containers in everyday physical contexts.
It is a ㄹ-irregular verb, meaning the 'ㄹ' drops when followed by endings starting with ㄴ, ㅂ, or ㅅ (e.g., 엽니다, 여세요).
Beyond physical opening, it is used for holding events (meetings, parties) and starting businesses or new historical eras.
Idiomatically, it can describe opening one's heart (trusting someone) or opening one's mouth (starting to speak/revealing secrets).

The Korean verb 열다 (yeolda) is a foundational A1-level word that primarily translates to "to open" in English. While its most basic application involves physical objects like doors, windows, or containers, its semantic range extends significantly into abstract and metaphorical domains in Korean culture. Understanding '열다' requires more than just knowing a single translation; it involves recognizing the specific mechanics of opening in various contexts, from starting a business to opening one's heart to another person.

Physical Interaction: This refers to the act of moving a barrier to allow access. In Korean, you use '열다' for things that have hinges (doors), slides (windows), or lids (bottles). It is the direct opposite of '닫다' (to close).
Event Initiation: When hosting a meeting, a party, or a conference, Koreans 'open' the event. This suggests the commencement of a formal proceeding. For example, '회의를 열다' means to hold or open a meeting.
Business Operations: In a commercial context, '열다' is used when a shop starts its daily operations or when a new business is launched for the first time. It implies making a service available to the public.

아침마다 가게 문을 열다. (I open the shop door every morning.)

Beyond these, '열다' is used for opening accounts (통장을 열다), opening eyes (눈을 열다 - though '뜨다' is more common for physical eyes, '열다' is used for spiritual or intellectual awakening), and opening the future (미래를 열다). The verb is a 'ㄹ-irregular' verb, meaning the final 'ㄹ' in the stem behaves uniquely when meeting certain consonants like 'ㄴ', 'ㅂ', or 'ㅅ'. This grammatical nuance is crucial for beginners to master early on.

In formal settings, such as opening a speech or a ceremony, '열다' takes on a prestigious tone. It signifies the breaking of ground or the start of a new era. For instance, historians often speak of '시대를 열다' (opening an era). In interpersonal relationships, '마음을 열다' (opening one's heart) is a vital phrase for expressing trust and vulnerability. This versatility makes it one of the most frequently used verbs in the Korean language, appearing in everything from children's books to high-level political discourse.

Mastering the usage of 열다 involves understanding its conjugation patterns and the objects it typically governs. As an active transitive verb, it almost always requires an object marked by the particle 을/를. The most important grammatical feature to remember is the ㄹ-irregularity. When the stem '열-' is followed by an ending starting with ㄴ, ㅂ, or ㅅ, the 'ㄹ' is dropped. For example, '열다' becomes '엽니다' (formal polite) rather than '열습니다'.

Basic Conjugation: Present: 열어요 (Polite), 연다 (Plain). Past: 열었어요. Future: 열 거예요.
Imperative Forms: To tell someone to open something: '열어 주세요' (Please open it) or '여세요' (Open it - honorific, note the ㄹ drop).

창문을 좀 열어 주시겠어요? (Could you please open the window?)

When using '열다' in sentences, the context determines the nuance. If you are opening a physical object, the sentence is straightforward. However, when '열다' is used with abstract nouns, it often functions as a light verb or part of a fixed expression. For example, '입을 열다' literally means 'to open one's mouth,' but it is frequently used to mean 'to finally start speaking' or 'to reveal a secret.' Similarly, '길을 열다' (to open a path) can mean physically clearing a road or metaphorically paving the way for future success.

In sentence construction, '열다' can also be paired with auxiliary verbs to add subtle meanings. '열어 두다' means 'to open and leave it that way' (keeping it open), while '열어 보다' means 'to open and see' (to check inside). These combinations are essential for natural-sounding Korean. For instance, if you receive a gift, someone might say '선물을 열어 봐!' (Open the gift and see!). In academic or formal writing, you might see '열다' replaced by more specific Sino-Korean verbs like '개최하다' (to hold an event) or '개방하다' (to open to the public), but '열다' remains the versatile, go-to word for everyday speech.

You will encounter 열다 in almost every facet of Korean life. From the moment you wake up and 'open' your eyes (metaphorically) to the time you 'open' your front door to go home, the word is omnipresent. In a typical Korean household, you'll hear parents telling children to '냉장고 문 열지 마' (Don't open the refrigerator door) or '창문 좀 열어라' (Open the window). These are the most basic, high-frequency instances of the word in a domestic setting.

Public Announcements: On subways or buses, you might hear announcements about doors opening: '문이 열립니다' (The doors are opening). Note the passive form '열리다' is used here because the doors open automatically.
Shopping and Markets: When walking through a shopping district like Myeongdong, you'll see signs saying '오픈' (Open) but shopkeepers will say '문을 열었습니다' to indicate they are ready for business.

이번 주말에 친구들과 파티를 열기로 했어요. (We decided to hold/open a party with friends this weekend.)

In the Korean professional world, '열다' is used constantly in the context of meetings and seminars. A manager might say, '내일 오전 10시에 회의를 열겠습니다' (I will hold a meeting tomorrow at 10 AM). In the news, you'll hear about the government 'opening' a new channel for dialogue or 'opening' a market to foreign trade. These contexts use '열다' to signify the removal of barriers or the start of a new collaborative effort.

Social media and digital life also use '열다'. When someone starts a 'KakaoTalk' group chat, they are 'opening' a room (방을 열다). When a YouTuber starts a live stream, they might say '라이브 방송을 열었습니다'. Even in the gaming community, 'opening' a loot box or a new level uses this verb. Its ubiquity across physical, social, and digital spaces makes it a cornerstone of functional Korean literacy.

While 열다 seems simple, English speakers often fall into several common traps. The most frequent error involves confusion with other 'opening' or 'starting' verbs that have no direct equivalent in English. For instance, English uses 'open' for a door, a book, a light, and a meeting. Korean, however, is much more specific about the physical action involved.

열다 vs. 켜다: Mistake: 'TV를 열다' (Incorrect). Correct: 'TV를 켜다' (To turn on the TV). '열다' is only for physical barriers, not electrical circuits.
열다 vs. 펴다: Mistake: '책을 열다' (Awkward). Correct: '책을 펴다' (To unfold/open a book). '펴다' is used for things that are folded or spread out, like books, umbrellas, or maps.
열다 vs. 뜨다: Mistake: '눈을 열다' (To open eyes - sounds like surgery). Correct: '눈을 뜨다' (To open one's eyes from sleep/blindness).

Incorrect: 불을 열어 주세요. (Open the light.)
Correct: 불을 켜 주세요. (Turn on the light.)

Another significant area of struggle is the conjugation of ㄹ-irregular verbs. Beginners often say '열습니다' (yeol-seumnida) or '열는' (yeol-neun). In Korean, when a verb stem ends in 'ㄹ', the 'ㄹ' disappears before endings that start with 'ㄴ, ㅂ, ㅅ'. Therefore, the correct forms are '엽니다' (yeop-nida) and '여는' (yeo-neun). Forgetting this rule is a hallmark of an A1 learner and can make your Korean sound disjointed.

Finally, learners often confuse the active '열다' (to open) with the passive '열리다' (to be opened). If you say '문이 열다', you are saying 'The door opens (something else)', which makes no sense. If the door is opening by itself or being opened, you must use '문이 열리다' or '문을 열다' (I open the door). Distinguishing between the subject and the object is key to using this verb correctly.

While 열다 is the general term for "to open," Korean offers several more specific alternatives depending on the formality and the nature of the object being opened. Using these synonyms correctly will elevate your Korean from basic to intermediate or advanced levels.

개방하다 (Gaebang-hada): This is a Sino-Korean word meaning 'to open to the public' or 'to liberalize'. It is used for parks, markets, or countries. Example: '공원을 시민들에게 개방하다' (To open the park to citizens).
개최하다 (Gaechoe-hada): Specifically used for hosting or opening formal events like Olympics, conferences, or exhibitions. It sounds much more professional than '열다'.
펴다 (Pyeoda): Used for opening things that are folded, like umbrellas (우산을 펴다), books (책을 펴다), or maps. It emphasizes the 'unfolding' action.

Comparison:
1. 문을 열다 (Open the door - physical barrier)
2. 우산을 펴다 (Open the umbrella - unfolding)

In business, you might encounter '개업하다' (gaeeop-hada), which specifically means 'to open a new business' for the first time. While you can say '가게를 열다', '개업하다' is the more formal and specific term used on invitations or business signs. Another interesting alternative is '벌리다' (beollida), which means to open a gap or spread things apart, like opening your arms wide or creating distance between two points.

Understanding these distinctions helps avoid the 'English-brain' trap of using one word for everything. When you want to say 'open a bottle,' '열다' is fine, but if you want to say 'pop the cap,' you might use '따다'. If you are opening a letter or a package, '뜯다' (to tear open) is very common. By learning these nuances, you can describe the world around you with the precision of a native speaker.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The word '열쇠' (key) is a compound of '열-' (open) and '쇠' (metal/iron), literally meaning 'opening metal'.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /jʌl.da/

US /jʌl.da/

The stress is equal on both syllables, though the first syllable '열' carries the core meaning.

Reimt sich auf

떨다 (tteolda - to shake) 벌다 (beolda - to earn) 걸다 (geolda - to hang) 멀다 (meolda - to be far) 널다 (neolda - to hang clothes) 설다 (seolda - to be unfamiliar) 절다 (jeolda - to be salted) 헐다 (heolda - to tear down)

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing 'eo' as 'o' (like 'yol-da').
Not dropping the 'ㄹ' in conjugations like '엽니다'.
Over-emphasizing the final 'a' in 'da'.
Confusing the 'l' sound with an English 'r'.
Failing to tense the 'd' in 'da' after the 'l' consonant.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text as an A1 word.

Schreiben 2/5

Requires knowledge of the ㄹ-irregular conjugation.

Sprechen 2/5

Must remember to drop the ㄹ in formal speech (엽니다).

Hören 1/5

Distinct sound, easy to pick up in daily conversation.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

문 (Door) 나 (I) 있다 (To be) 하다 (To do) 가다 (To go)

Als Nächstes lernen

닫다 (To close) 켜다 (To turn on) 끄다 (To turn off) 펴다 (To unfold) 잠그다 (To lock)

Fortgeschritten

개최하다 (To host) 개방하다 (To open/liberalize) 시사하다 (To suggest/open up a topic) 창업하다 (To start a business)

Wichtige Grammatik

ㄹ-Irregular Verbs

열다 + ㅂ니다 -> 엽니다

-아/어 보다 (Try doing)

열어 보다 (Try opening)

-아/어 두다 (Do and leave)

열어 두다 (Leave open)

-아/어 주다 (Do for someone)

열어 주다 (Open for someone)

Passive -리-

열리다 (To be opened)

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Beispiele nach Niveau

문을 열어요.

I open the door.

Present tense polite form of 열다.

창문을 열어 주세요.

Please open the window.

-아/어 주세요 indicates a polite request.

가방을 열었어요.

I opened the bag.

Past tense of 열다.

지갑을 열지 마세요.

Please don't open the wallet.

-지 마세요 is the negative imperative.

누가 문을 열어?

Who opens the door?

Informal/Casual question form.

상자를 열어 봐.

Try opening the box.

-아/어 보다 means 'to try doing'.

저는 매일 아침 창문을 엽니다.

I open the window every morning.

Formal polite form; note the 'ㄹ' drop.

책을 열지 말고 들어 보세요.

Don't open the book, just listen.

Usage of '열다' here is slightly less common than '펴다', but used for beginners.

내일 친구들과 파티를 열 거예요.

I will open (hold) a party with friends tomorrow.

Future tense -ㄹ 거예요.

가게 문을 일찍 열었습니다.

We opened the shop early.

Formal past tense.

냉장고 문을 열어 두지 마세요.

Don't leave the refrigerator door open.

-어 두다 means to do something and leave it in that state.

회의를 언제 열까요?

When shall we hold (open) the meeting?

-ㄹ까요? is used for suggestions or asking opinions.

병을 열 수 없어요.

I can't open the bottle.

-ㄹ 수 없다 indicates inability.

이 문을 어떻게 열어요?

How do I open this door?

Interrogative with '어떻게' (how).

그는 선물을 열고 웃었습니다.

He opened the gift and laughed.

-고 connects two sequential actions.

창문을 여는 것이 좋아요.

It's good to open the window.

-는 것 turns the verb into a noun phrase.

그는 드디어 마음을 열었어요.

He finally opened his heart.

Idiomatic use of '마음을 열다'.

그녀는 입을 열어 진실을 말했습니다.

She opened her mouth and told the truth.

Idiomatic use of '입을 열다' meaning to start speaking.

우리는 새로운 미래를 열어야 합니다.

We must open a new future.

-아/어야 하다 indicates obligation or necessity.

이 열쇠는 모든 방을 엽니다.

This key opens all the rooms.

Standard usage, note the ㄹ-drop in 엽니다.

전시회를 열기 위해 준비하고 있어요.

I am preparing to open (hold) an exhibition.

-기 위해 means 'in order to'.

그는 자신의 사업을 열기로 결심했어요.

He decided to open his own business.

-기로 결심하다 means 'to decide to'.

문을 여니까 시원한 바람이 들어왔어요.

When I opened the door, a cool breeze came in.

-(으)니까 indicates discovery after an action.

마음을 여는 대화가 필요합니다.

A conversation that opens the heart is necessary.

Present noun-modifying form '여는'.

정부는 시장을 외국 기업에 열기로 했습니다.

The government decided to open the market to foreign companies.

Metaphorical use in a policy context.

그의 연구는 의학계의 새로운 길을 열었습니다.

His research opened a new path in the medical field.

Idiomatic use of '길을 열다' (pave the way).

강연자는 청중의 마음을 여는 농담으로 시작했다.

The speaker started with a joke that opens the audience's hearts.

Complex sentence with a noun-modifying clause.

눈을 열고 세상을 넓게 보세요.

Open your eyes and look at the world broadly.

Metaphorical use of '눈을 열다' for perspective.

창고를 열어 보니 먼지가 가득했다.

When I opened the warehouse, it was full of dust.

-어 보니 indicates finding out something after trying.

전통 시장이 열리는 날에는 사람이 많아요.

There are many people on days when the traditional market opens.

Passive form '열리다' used for regular events.

그는 침묵을 깨고 드디어 입을 열었다.

He broke the silence and finally opened his mouth (spoke).

Idiomatic and dramatic narrative style.

새로운 시대를 열기 위한 노력이 계속되고 있다.

Efforts to open a new era are continuing.

Abstract usage in a formal context.

그 작가는 독창적인 문체로 문학의 새 지평을 열었다.

The author opened a new horizon in literature with an original style.

Advanced idiom '지평을 열다' (open a horizon).

굳게 닫혔던 북한의 문이 조금씩 열리고 있다.

The firmly closed doors of North Korea are opening little by little.

Political metaphor using passive voice '열리고 있다'.

그는 자신의 내면을 여는 글을 쓰기 시작했다.

He began to write pieces that open (reveal) his inner self.

Abstract usage referring to self-revelation.

토론의 장을 열어 다양한 의견을 수렴해야 한다.

We must open a forum for discussion to collect diverse opinions.

Formal phrase '토론의 장을 열다'.

그의 말 한마디가 얼어붙은 분위기를 열어 주었다.

His single word opened up (thawed) the frozen atmosphere.

Metaphorical use for social atmosphere.

역사는 과거를 통해 미래를 여는 열쇠이다.

History is the key that opens the future through the past.

Philosophical metaphor.

가슴을 열고 진심으로 사과하십시오.

Open your chest (heart) and apologize sincerely.

Idiomatic '가슴을 열다' similar to '마음을 열다'.

새벽을 여는 사람들의 활기찬 모습이 인상적이다.

The energetic appearance of people who open the dawn is impressive.

Poetic/Literary '새벽을 열다' (starting the day early).

기술 혁신은 인류에게 유토피아의 가능성을 열어줄 것인가?

Will technological innovation open the possibility of utopia for mankind?

Rhetorical question in formal academic style.

그는 고전의 재해석을 통해 현대 예술의 새로운 문을 열었다.

He opened a new door for modern art through the reinterpretation of classics.

High-level cultural analysis.

침묵의 장막을 열고 진실이 세상 밖으로 드러났다.

Opening the curtain of silence, the truth was revealed to the world.

Literary and metaphorical '장막을 열다'.

국가 간의 장벽을 열어 상생의 길을 모색해야 할 때이다.

It is time to open the barriers between nations and seek a path of coexistence.

Political discourse using '장벽을 열다'.

그의 철학은 인간 존재의 심연을 여는 도구와 같다.

His philosophy is like a tool that opens the abyss of human existence.

Deep philosophical metaphor.

우리는 편견의 눈을 감고 포용의 문을 열어야 한다.

We must close the eyes of prejudice and open the door of inclusion.

Antithetical structure (closing vs. opening).

지식의 보고를 열어 후세에게 물려주는 것이 우리의 사명이다.

It is our mission to open the treasury of knowledge and pass it on to future generations.

Formal and noble expression '보고를 열다'.

예술가는 고통 속에서도 창작의 문을 열어젖힌다.

An artist flings open the door of creation even amidst pain.

'열어젖히다' is an emphatic form of '열다'.

Häufige Kollokationen

문을 열다

창문을 열다

회의를 열다

마음을 열다

입을 열다

가게를 열다

길을 열다

눈을 열다

파티를 열다

뚜껑을 열다

Häufige Phrasen

문 열어!

— Informal command to open the door. Used between close friends or family.

나 왔어, 문 열어!

활짝 열다

— To open wide. Used for windows, doors, or metaphorical hearts.

창문을 활짝 열고 환기를 시켰다.

살짝 열다

— To open slightly or ajar.

누가 있는지 보려고 문을 살짝 열었다.

열어 보다

— To open and see/check what is inside.

택배 상자를 열어 봤어요.

열어 두다

— To open and leave it open.

환기를 위해 창문을 열어 두세요.

문을 여는 시간

— Opening hours (of a store or office).

이 카페는 문을 여는 시간이 언제예요?

마음을 열어 주다

— To open one's heart for someone else.

그가 드디어 나에게 마음을 열어 주었다.

새 시대를 열다

— To usher in or start a new era.

이 선거는 한국의 새 시대를 열 것이다.

입을 굳게 열지 않다

— To keep one's mouth shut tightly (refuse to talk).

용의자는 경찰 조사에서 입을 굳게 열지 않았다.

뚜껑을 열어 보다

— To see the final result (often used in politics or sports).

투표 결과는 뚜껑을 열어 봐야 안다.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

열다 vs 켜다

English 'open' can mean 'turn on' for lights/TV, but Korean uses '켜다'.

열다 vs 펴다

Used for unfolding books or umbrellas, where '열다' sounds awkward.

열다 vs 따다

Used for picking locks or opening bottle caps with a tool/twist.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"마음을 열다"

— To trust someone and share one's inner thoughts and feelings.

서로 마음을 열고 대화합시다.

Common

"입을 열다"

— To start talking after a period of silence or to reveal a secret.

그는 드디어 사건에 대해 입을 열었다.

Common

"길을 열다"

— To pave the way or make it possible for something to happen.

이 연구는 암 치료의 길을 열었다.

Formal

"뚜껑을 열다"

— To reveal the result of something that was hidden or uncertain.

선거 결과는 뚜껑을 열어 봐야 알 수 있다.

Journalistic

"눈을 열다"

— To gain a new perspective or become aware of something.

여행은 나에게 새로운 세계에 대한 눈을 열어주었다.

Literary

"지평을 열다"

— To open a new horizon or expand the scope of a field.

그의 발명은 인공지능의 새 지평을 열었다.

Academic

"가슴을 열다"

— Similar to '마음을 열다', to be open and honest with someone.

가슴을 열고 솔직하게 말해 봐.

Common

"시대를 열다"

— To start a new historical period or major trend.

스마트폰은 모바일 시대를 열었다.

Formal

"문을 열어 주다"

— To give someone an opportunity or access.

이 장학금은 나에게 교육의 문을 열어 주었다.

General

"말문을 열다"

— To start a conversation or break the ice.

어색한 분위기 속에서 그가 먼저 말문을 열었다.

Common

Leicht verwechselbar

열다 vs 열리다

It is the passive form of 열다.

열다 is 'someone opens something', 열리다 is 'something is opened'.

내가 문을 열다 vs 문이 열리다.

열다 vs 벌리다

Both involve creating an opening.

열다 is for barriers/lids; 벌리다 is for widening a gap (arms, legs).

입을 열다 vs 다리를 벌리다.

열다 vs 뜨다

Both can translate to 'open' in English (for eyes).

뜨다 is for physical eyes; 열다 is metaphorical for 'opening eyes to a fact'.

눈을 뜨다 (Wake up) vs 눈을 열다 (Gain perspective).

열다 vs 개최하다

Both mean 'to hold/open' an event.

열다 is general; 개최하다 is formal and professional.

파티를 열다 vs 회의를 개최하다.

열다 vs 개방하다

Both mean 'to open' a place.

열다 is for daily opening; 개방하다 is for public access/liberalization.

문을 열다 vs 공원을 개방하다.

Satzmuster

N을/를 열어요.

문을 열어요.

N을/를 열어 주세요.

창문을 열어 주세요.

N을/를 열 수 있어요.

병을 열 수 있어요.

N이/가 열려 있어요.

문이 열려 있어요.

N을/를 열기 위해...

파티를 열기 위해 준비해요.

N을/를 열어 봤더니...

상자를 열어 봤더니 비어 있었어요.

N을/를 열어 두는 것이 좋다.

창문을 열어 두는 것이 좋아요.

N의 지평을 열다.

과학의 새 지평을 열다.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

열기 (yeolgi - opening/holding of an event)

열쇠 (yeolsoe - key)

Verben

열리다 (yeollida - to be opened / passive)

열어젖히다 (yeoreojeothida - to fling open)

되열다 (doeyeolda - to reopen)

Adjektive

열린 (yeollin - open / as in 'open-minded')

열려 있는 (yeollyeo inneun - currently open)

Verwandt

문 (mun - door)

창문 (changmun - window)

뚜껑 (ttukkeong - lid)

개최 (gaechoe - hosting)

개방 (gaebang - opening to public)

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So verwendest du es

frequency

Extremely high in daily life and media.

Häufige Fehler

열습니다 (yeol-seum-ni-da) → 엽니다 (yeom-ni-da)
The 'ㄹ' must drop before the 'ㅂ' in the formal ending.
불을 열다 (bul-eul yeol-da) → 불을 켜다 (bul-eul kyeo-da)
You don't 'open' a light; you 'turn it on'.
책을 열다 (chaek-eul yeol-da) → 책을 펴다 (chaek-eul pyeo-da)
Opening a book involves unfolding pages, so '펴다' is preferred.
문이 열다 (mun-i yeol-da) → 문이 열리다 (mun-i yeol-li-da)
If the door is the subject of the opening action, use the passive '열리다'.
열는 사람 (yeol-neun sa-ram) → 여는 사람 (yeo-neun sa-ram)
The 'ㄹ' drops before 'ㄴ' in the noun-modifying form.

Tipps

ㄹ-Irregular Rule

Always drop the 'ㄹ' before 'ㄴ', 'ㅂ', or 'ㅅ'. This is the most common mistake for beginners.

Use '펴다' for Books

Remember that '펴다' is for things that unfold. Using '열다' for books sounds slightly non-native.

Events are 'Opened'

In Korean, you 'open' meetings, parties, and exhibitions. It's a very versatile word for starting things.

Electronics vs. Physical

Never use '열다' for lights, TVs, or computers (the hardware). Use '켜다' for those.

Heart and Mouth

Memorize '마음을 열다' (trust) and '입을 열다' (start talking) as set phrases.

Nasalization

In '엽니다', the 'ㅂ' sounds like 'ㅁ' because of the following 'ㄴ'. It sounds like 'yeom-ni-da'.

Object Markers

Always use '을/를' with '열다' unless you are using the passive '열리다'.

Making Requests

Use '열어 주시겠어요?' (Could you open it?) to be extra polite to strangers.

Action Image

Associate '열다' with a pulling or sliding motion of a barrier.

Opposites

Always learn '열다' alongside '닫다' (close) to build your vocabulary in pairs.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Imagine you are 'Yelling' (열) as you 'Open' the 'Door' (다). 'Yeol-da'!

Visuelle Assoziation

Visualize a giant golden key (열쇠) turning in a lock to open a massive gate.

Word Web

문 (Door) 창문 (Window) 마음 (Heart) 회의 (Meeting) 가게 (Store) 상자 (Box) 미래 (Future) 입 (Mouth)

Herausforderung

Try to find 5 things in your room right now that you can '열다' and say the sentence out loud: '___을/를 열어요'.

Wortherkunft

Native Korean word (Pure Korean). It has existed since Middle Korean as '열다'.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: To open, to reveal, or to let through.

Koreanic

Kultureller Kontext

No specific sensitivities, but '입을 열다' can sound aggressive (like 'spill it') depending on the tone.

English speakers often over-use 'open' for electronics, whereas Koreans distinguish '열다' from '켜다'.

The song '문을 열어' (Open the Door) by various K-pop artists. The common TV show trope where a character 'opens their heart' after a long conflict. Traditional 'Mun-jeon-je' (Gate God Ritual) where the opening of the door is sacred.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

At home

창문 좀 열어 줄래?
냉장고 문 열지 마.
현관문 열어 놨어.
가방 좀 열어 봐.

At work

회의를 언제 열까요?
파일을 열 수 없어요.
새 프로젝트를 열었습니다.
사무실 문을 열어 두세요.

Shopping

몇 시에 문을 열어요?
가게를 새로 열었어요.
상자를 열어 봐도 돼요?
지갑을 열게 만드네요.

Relationships

서로 마음을 열어요.
그는 입을 열지 않아요.
진심으로 가슴을 여세요.
대화의 문을 엽시다.

Public places

문이 열립니다.
공원을 개방합니다.
전시회를 열고 있어요.
길을 열어 주세요.

Gesprächseinstiege

"오늘 가게 몇 시에 열어요? (What time do you open the shop today?)"

"우리 같이 파티를 열까요? (Shall we hold a party together?)"

"이 상자 안에 뭐가 있는지 열어 볼까요? (Shall we open this box and see what's inside?)"

"창문을 좀 열어도 될까요? (May I open the window?)"

"어떻게 하면 그 사람의 마음을 열 수 있을까요? (How can I open that person's heart?)"

Tagebuch-Impulse

오늘 내가 '열었던' 것들에 대해 써보세요. (Write about things you 'opened' today.)

누군가에게 마음을 열었던 경험이 있나요? (Have you ever had an experience of opening your heart to someone?)

미래를 위해 어떤 길을 열고 싶나요? (What kind of path do you want to open for your future?)

새로운 가게를 연다면 무엇을 팔고 싶나요? (If you opened a new shop, what would you want to sell?)

오늘 가장 먼저 연 문은 무엇인가요? (What was the first door you opened today?)

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

While '책을 열다' is understandable, it is much more natural to say '책을 펴다' (to unfold/spread open a book).

You should not use '열다'. Instead, use '불을 켜다' (to turn on the light).

'열다' is an active verb (I open the door), while '열리다' is the passive version (The door is opened/opens).

Because '열다' is a ㄹ-irregular verb. The 'ㄹ' drops when it meets 'ㄴ, ㅂ, ㅅ'.

Yes, '회의를 열다' is very common and correct.

You say '마음을 열다'. It is a very common idiomatic expression.

Yes, just like in English, you use '파일을 열다'.

The past tense is '열었어요' (polite) or '열었다' (plain).

It is better to use '우산을 펴다' because you are unfolding it.

You can say '열어 주세요' or '여세요' (note the ㄹ drop in the honorific form).

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