Signification
To move a door to an open position.
Contexte culturel
In traditional Korean villages, leaving the front gate open was a sign of trust and community. Today, in modern apartments, the 'doorbell' culture has replaced this, but the phrase '우리 집 문은 항상 열려 있다' (My house door is always open) remains a common way to express hospitality. The 'first customer' of a day is very important in Korean retail. When a shop 'opens its door' for the day, the first sale is thought to set the tone for the entire day's luck. Some shop owners might even give a small discount to the first customer to ensure good energy. In many K-dramas, a character 'opening a door' and finding someone unexpected on the other side is a key plot device. The act of opening a door often symbolizes a transition between the character's safe space and a new, challenging world. The four main gates of Seoul (including Namdaemun and Dongdaemun) were the literal 'doors' to the capital. 'Opening the gate' was a military and administrative necessity that dictated the flow of the entire nation's economy.
The 'ㄹ' Rule
Always remember that '열다' becomes '여세요' and '엽니다'. If you say '열으세요', people will understand, but it sounds very unnatural.
No Lights!
Never use '열다' for lights or electronics. This is the #1 mistake for English and Tagalog speakers.
Signification
To move a door to an open position.
The 'ㄹ' Rule
Always remember that '열다' becomes '여세요' and '엽니다'. If you say '열으세요', people will understand, but it sounds very unnatural.
No Lights!
Never use '열다' for lights or electronics. This is the #1 mistake for English and Tagalog speakers.
Use '좀' for Politeness
Adding '좀' (jom) before '열어 주세요' makes the request sound much softer and more natural: '문 좀 열어 주세요'.
Business Hours
If a shop is closed, they say '문을 닫았다'. If they are on a break, they might say '잠시 문을 닫았습니다'.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of '열다'. (Hint: Watch out for the ㄹ-irregular rule!)
너무 더워요. 창문을 좀 ______? (Shall I open...?)
For 'ㄹ' irregular verbs, when adding '-(으)ㄹ까요', the 'ㄹ' of the stem and the 'ㄹ' of the ending merge. So '열' + 'ㄹ까요' becomes '열까요'.
Which sentence is correct for asking a shop's opening time?
Choose the most natural sentence:
The standard phrase for a shop opening is '문을 열다'. '불' is for lights, and '켜다' is for electronics.
Complete the dialogue with the most polite form.
A: 밖이 시끄러워요. B: 죄송합니다. 제가 빨리 ______.
If it's noisy outside, the logical action is to close the door (문을 닫다). This tests your understanding of the opposite action.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You want to tell someone to be more social and open.
'마음의 문을 열다' is the specific idiom for being emotionally open or social.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
열다 vs 켜다
Banque d exercices
4 exercices너무 더워요. 창문을 좀 ______? (Shall I open...?)
For 'ㄹ' irregular verbs, when adding '-(으)ㄹ까요', the 'ㄹ' of the stem and the 'ㄹ' of the ending merge. So '열' + 'ㄹ까요' becomes '열까요'.
Choose the most natural sentence:
The standard phrase for a shop opening is '문을 열다'. '불' is for lights, and '켜다' is for electronics.
A: 밖이 시끄러워요. B: 죄송합니다. 제가 빨리 ______.
If it's noisy outside, the logical action is to close the door (문을 닫다). This tests your understanding of the opposite action.
Situation: You want to tell someone to be more social and open.
'마음의 문을 열다' is the specific idiom for being emotionally open or social.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsYes, '책을 열다' is correct, though '책을 펴다' (to unfold/open a book) is more common.
'열다' is for barriers like doors. '펴다' is for things that are folded, like books, umbrellas, or maps.
The phrase itself is neutral. Its formality depends on the conjugation (엽니다 vs 열어).
Use '문이 열려 있어요'.
Yes, '회의를 열다' means to hold or host a meeting.
Because '열다' is an ㄹ-irregular verb; the 'ㄹ' drops before 'ㅅ'.
It's a bit deep for a stranger. It's usually used for friends or in psychological contexts.
It means to open the door wide or completely.
Not a direct one, but '오픈하다' (to open - from English) is very common slang for businesses.
Yes, '병을 열다' (to open a bottle) is correct, though '병을 따다' (to pop/open) is more common.
문 좀 열어 주세요.
Yes, it can mean to establish or launch a new business.
Expressions liées
문을 닫다
contrastTo close the door / To go out of business
문이 열리다
similarThe door opens (passive)
마음을 열다
specialized formTo open one's heart
창문을 열다
similarTo open a window
길을 열다
builds onTo pave the way / open a path
입을 열다
similarTo open one's mouth / to start speaking
