Explanation at your level:
You use 열다 when you want to open a door or a window. If you are hot, you open the window. If you want to enter a room, you open the door. It is a very simple and useful word for your daily life in Korea.
At this level, you learn that 열다 is not just for doors. You can open your bag, your book, or a present. It is the opposite of '닫다' (to close). Use it whenever you need to reveal what is inside something.
Now you can use 열다 in abstract ways. You can 'open' a meeting or a party. It is common to say '회의를 열다' to mean holding a meeting. Remember that it is a transitive verb, so it needs an object.
You can use 열다 to express deeper meanings. '마음을 열다' means to become emotionally vulnerable or trusting. It shows a higher level of fluency when you use these collocations in conversation to describe human relationships.
In advanced contexts, 열다 can be used to describe 'paving the way' for future developments or 'opening' a new chapter in history. It carries a sense of initiation and progress. Understanding the nuance between '열다' and '개방하다' (a more formal/Hanja-based word) will help you sound more professional.
Mastery of 열다 involves understanding its literary and metaphorical weight. It can signify the dawn of an era or the revealing of hidden truths. Its etymological connection to 'unfolding' allows for poetic usage in writing, where it describes the transition from a state of concealment to one of enlightenment or exposure.
Palabra en 30 segundos
- Essential verb meaning to open.
- Used for physical objects and abstract concepts.
- Neutral formality.
- Commonly paired with '문' (door) and '마음' (heart).
The word 열다 is one of the most essential verbs in the Korean language. At its core, it means to open something that was previously shut or locked. Think of opening a door, a window, or even a book.
Beyond physical objects, 열다 is frequently used in abstract contexts. You can 'open' a meeting (회의를 열다) or 'open' a concert. It implies creating access or starting something new. It is a very versatile word that you will hear every single day.
The verb 열다 has deep roots in Middle Korean. Historically, it evolved from the root 'yul-', which carried the sense of expanding or becoming unblocked. It is a native Korean word, not derived from Chinese characters.
Over centuries, it has maintained its primary meaning of creating an opening. Interestingly, in ancient texts, it was often associated with the concept of 'unfolding' or 'revealing,' which explains why we still use it today to describe starting a new event or revealing a secret.
You use 열다 with direct objects. For instance, '문을 열다' (open the door) or '창문을 열다' (open the window). It is a standard verb, so it conjugates regularly in most forms.
In a business register, you might use it to describe hosting an event, like '행사를 열다' (to hold an event). It is neutral in formality, meaning you can use it with friends or in professional settings without sounding awkward.
1. 마음을 열다: To open one's heart (to trust someone). 2. 지갑을 열다: To open one's wallet (to spend money). 3. 길을 열다: To pave the way (to create opportunity). 4. 눈을 열다: To open one's eyes (to realize something). 5. 막을 열다: To raise the curtain (to start a show).
The verb 열다 follows standard Korean conjugation rules. When adding endings starting with vowels, the stem remains '열-'. For example, '열어요' (present) and '열었다' (past).
Pronunciation is straightforward: [yeol-da]. Ensure you emphasize the 'yeol' sound clearly. It rhymes with words like '벌다' (to earn) and '걸다' (to hang), which share the same stem-ending structure.
Fun Fact
It is related to the word for 'ten' (열) in some ancient linguistic theories, though this is debated.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'yul-da' with a soft 'y' sound.
Similar to UK, very clear Korean pronunciation.
Common Errors
- Mispronouncing the 'eo' vowel
- Dropping the 'l' sound
- Adding extra vowels
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Very easy
Simple
Common
Clear
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Avanzado
Grammar to Know
Active/Passive
열다/열리다
Object particles
을/를
Verb conjugation
열어요
Examples by Level
문을 열어요.
Door (object marker) open.
Basic present tense.
창문을 열어 주세요.
Window open please.
Request form.
가방을 열어요.
Bag open.
Transitive verb.
책을 열어요.
Book open.
Simple action.
상자를 열어요.
Box open.
Common usage.
문을 열지 마세요.
Door open do not.
Negative command.
냉장고를 열어요.
Fridge open.
Daily habit.
문을 열었어요.
Door opened.
Past tense.
회의를 열어요.
파티를 열어요.
가게 문을 열어요.
마음을 열어요.
지갑을 열어요.
새로운 길을 열어요.
눈을 열어요.
창문을 열어 볼까요?
행사를 크게 열 계획입니다.
그는 드디어 마음을 열었다.
정부는 새로운 정책을 열었다.
우리는 토론회를 열기로 했다.
가게를 열 준비가 되었나요?
그는 지갑을 열어 돈을 냈다.
새로운 시대를 열어가는 사람들.
문이 열려 있어요.
그 사건은 새로운 의혹의 문을 열었다.
그녀는 대화를 열기 위해 노력했다.
이번 전시회는 많은 사람들의 관심을 열었다.
그는 자신의 생각을 열어 보였다.
새로운 가능성을 여는 계기가 되었다.
협상의 문을 열기 위해 노력 중이다.
마음을 열지 않으면 소통이 어렵다.
그는 지갑을 열어 기부를 했다.
역사의 새로운 장을 여는 사건이다.
그는 우리에게 새로운 시각의 문을 열어주었다.
정부는 시장을 열어 경쟁을 유도했다.
그의 말은 내 마음의 빗장을 열었다.
진실을 향한 문을 열어야 한다.
그는 예술의 새로운 지평을 열었다.
대화의 물꼬를 열기 위한 시도.
사건의 실마리를 여는 중요한 단서.
시대의 서막을 여는 위대한 업적이다.
그는 고립된 사회에 소통의 문을 열었다.
이 발견은 과학의 새로운 시대를 열었다.
그녀의 태도는 상대방의 마음을 여는 열쇠였다.
진실의 문을 열기까지 오랜 시간이 걸렸다.
전통의 틀을 열고 새로운 시도를 했다.
그는 자신의 내면을 열어 보여주었다.
미래의 문을 여는 것은 우리의 몫이다.
Colocaciones comunes
Idioms & Expressions
"마음을 열다"
To trust someone.
그가 드디어 마음을 열었다.
neutral"지갑을 열다"
To spend money.
지갑을 열기 어려운 시기다.
neutral"길을 열다"
To create an opportunity.
성공의 길을 열었다.
neutral"문턱을 낮추다/열다"
To make something more accessible.
서비스의 문턱을 열었다.
formal"막을 열다"
To start a show or era.
새로운 막을 열었다.
literaryEasily Confused
Passive form.
열다 is 'to open', 열리다 is 'to be opened'.
문이 열린다.
Both start things.
켜다 is for electronics.
TV를 켜다.
Both mean start.
시작하다 is general, 열다 is for events.
회의를 열다.
Opposite.
닫다 is to close.
문을 닫다.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + Object + 을/를 + 열다
나는 문을 열었다.
Object + 이/가 + 열리다
문이 열렸다.
Subject + 마음을 + 열다
그녀는 마음을 열었다.
Subject + 지갑을 + 열다
그는 지갑을 열었다.
Subject + 행사를 + 열다
우리는 행사를 열었다.
Familia de palabras
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Relacionado
How to Use It
10
Formality Scale
Errores comunes
Learners often mix up the active 'I open' and passive 'It is opened'.
Basic vocabulary mix-up.
You don't 'open' a TV, you 'turn it on'.
Not all tasks can be 'opened'.
Must be a direct object.
Tips
Sound Association
Yell to open!
Physical vs Abstract
Practice both meanings.
K-Drama
Listen for it in dramas.
Transitive
Always needs an object.
Clear Vowels
Focus on the 'eo' sound.
Active vs Passive
Don't confuse 열다 and 열리다.
History
Native Korean root.
Flashcards
Use pictures of doors.
Daily Routine
Say it when you open your fridge.
Conjugation
It conjugates regularly.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of a 'Yell' (열) when you can't open a door!
Visual Association
A door swinging wide open.
Word Web
Desafío
Open 5 things today and say '열다' each time.
Origen de la palabra
Native Korean
Original meaning: To expand or unblock
Contexto cultural
None, very neutral.
Direct translation of 'open' in almost all physical contexts.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At home
- 문을 열어라
- 창문을 열어
- 냉장고를 열어
At work
- 회의를 열다
- 행사를 열다
- 영업을 시작하다
Social
- 마음을 열다
- 파티를 열다
- 대화를 열다
Shopping
- 가게 문을 열다
- 지갑을 열다
Conversation Starters
"오늘 문을 열어본 적이 있나요?"
"어떤 상황에서 마음을 여나요?"
"새로운 행사를 열 계획이 있나요?"
"가게 문은 보통 몇 시에 여나요?"
"지갑을 열기 가장 힘들 때는 언제인가요?"
Journal Prompts
오늘 내가 연 문은 무엇인가요?
누군가에게 마음을 열었던 경험을 쓰세요.
새로운 기회의 문을 열어본 적이 있나요?
오늘 하루를 시작하며 무엇을 열었나요?
Preguntas frecuentes
8 preguntasNo, it is used for meetings, hearts, and events too.
Use '열려 있어요'.
Yes, for files or programs.
열었다.
It is neutral.
Yes, 열리다.
Yes, '마음을 열다'.
Yes, for events and meetings.
Ponte a prueba
문을 ___.
You open a door.
Which is the opposite of 열다?
닫다 means to close.
Can you '열다' a meeting?
Yes, it means to hold or start a meeting.
Word
Significado
Idiomatic usage.
Standard request structure.
Puntuación: /5
Summary
열다 is the fundamental way to express 'opening' anything from a door to a new opportunity.
- Essential verb meaning to open.
- Used for physical objects and abstract concepts.
- Neutral formality.
- Commonly paired with '문' (door) and '마음' (heart).
Sound Association
Yell to open!
Physical vs Abstract
Practice both meanings.
K-Drama
Listen for it in dramas.
Transitive
Always needs an object.
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