Meaning
To move a window from a closed to an open position.
Cultural Background
Koreans check 'Fine Dust' (미세먼지) levels daily. Opening windows when levels are 'Bad' (나쁨) is considered unhealthy. Traditional windows were made of Hanji paper, which allowed for natural ventilation even when closed. Opening them was a way to 'borrow' the outside scenery. In high-rise apartments, windows often have safety locks or only open partially to prevent accidents. There is a belief that leaving windows open during a storm might let in 'bad spirits' or 'bad energy', though this is less common today.
Use '좀'
Adding '좀' (a little/please) before '열다' makes your request sound much more natural and polite.
ㄹ-Irregular
Never say '열습니다'. It's always '엽니다'. This is a classic test question for Korean learners.
Meaning
To move a window from a closed to an open position.
Use '좀'
Adding '좀' (a little/please) before '열다' makes your request sound much more natural and polite.
ㄹ-Irregular
Never say '열습니다'. It's always '엽니다'. This is a classic test question for Korean learners.
Fine Dust Etiquette
In a shared office, always check the air quality app before opening a window, or you might get some glares!
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct object marker and conjugated form of '열다' (Formal Polite).
{창문|窓門}___ _____. (I open the window.)
'{창문|窓門}' ends in a consonant, so it takes '을'. '열다' becomes '엽니다' in formal polite speech.
Which sentence is the most natural way to ask someone to open the window politely?
Choose the best option:
'여세요' is the correct honorific form due to the ㄹ-drop rule.
Complete the dialogue based on the context of fine dust.
A: 오늘 미세먼지가 너무 심해요. B: 그래요? 그럼 ________________.
If fine dust is bad, you should not open the window.
Match the adverb to the situation.
You want to let in as much air as possible. You should open the window ______.
'활짝' is the specific adverb used for opening things wide.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises{창문|窓門}___ _____. (I open the window.)
'{창문|窓門}' ends in a consonant, so it takes '을'. '열다' becomes '엽니다' in formal polite speech.
Choose the best option:
'여세요' is the correct honorific form due to the ㄹ-drop rule.
A: 오늘 미세먼지가 너무 심해요. B: 그래요? 그럼 ________________.
If fine dust is bad, you should not open the window.
You want to let in as much air as possible. You should open the window ______.
'활짝' is the specific adverb used for opening things wide.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but '창을 띄우다' (to pop up a window) or '창을 열다' is used. Usually, we just say '프로그램을 실행하다' (run a program).
'열다' is 'to open' (you do it), and '열리다' is 'to be opened' (it happens).
Yes, '창' is just the shortened version of '창문'. Both are very common.
You say '{창문|窓門}을 열어 두세요'.
This is a rule in Korean phonology where 'ㄹ' drops before 'ㄴ, ㅂ, ㅅ'.
No, '펴다' is for unfolding things like umbrellas or books.
It's an adverb meaning 'wide open' or 'brightly' (as in a smile).
It's polite to ask first: '{창문|窓門} 좀 열어도 될까요?'.
The opposite is '닫다' (to close).
You say '{창문|窓門}이 열려 있어요'.
Related Phrases
문을 열다
similarTo open a door
환기하다
specialized formTo ventilate
창문을 닫다
contrastTo close the window
커튼을 걷다
builds onTo pull back the curtains
창을 내다
relatedTo install/make a window
