Korean · Everyday Verbs
"to open" in Korean: 열다
열다yeolda
to open in Korean is 열다 (yeolda). 열다 is transitive, opening something; 열리다 means that something opens.
to open: an everyday statement
창문을 열어요.changmuneul yeoreoyo.
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How to pronounce 열다
Say it
yeolda
/jʌlta/
Read 열다 as yeolda. The spoken form 열어요 is yeoreoyo; preserve its final 요 when addressing someone politely.
"to open" in Korean: quick reference
| Korean | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| 열다yeolda | to open Dictionary form. | Dictionary form. |
| 열어요yeoreoyo | to open (polite present) Use 열어요 in an everyday polite sentence. | Use 열어요 in an everyday polite sentence. |
| 열었어요yeoreosseoyo | to open (polite past) Use 열었어요 for a completed past action or state. | Use 열었어요 for a completed past action or state. |
How to use 열다 in real life
- 1to open: an everyday statement
창문을 열어요.
changmuneul yeoreoyo.
I open the window.
열어요 is the present form of 열다.
- 2to open: a different situation
아침에 가게를 열었어요.
achime gagereul yeoreosseoyo.
I opened the shop in the morning.
열었어요 is the past form of 열다.
- 3to open: a question or request
문을 열어요?
muneul yeoreoyo?
Shall I open the door?
열어요 is the present form of 열다.
Mistakes English speakers make with 열다
Incorrect: 열다.
Correct: 열어요.
When practicing to open, 열다 names the dictionary entry. In polite speech, change the ending to 열어요.
Incorrect: 어제 열어요.
Correct: 어제 열었어요.
When practicing to open, for a completed event yesterday, use 열었어요; the present form 열어요 does not express that past event.
Good to know
열다 is transitive, opening something; 열리다 means that something opens. 열어요 is the polite conversational form of 열다; 열었어요 gives a past-tense form.
Read this practice conversation aloud
Tutor-led everyday verbs study exercise: two sentences with 열다
Partner
이 표현을 사용해서 한 문장 말해 볼까요?
i pyohyeoneul sayonghaeseo han munjang malhae bolkkayo?
Shall we say a sentence using this expression?
You
창문을 열어요.
changmuneul yeoreoyo.
I open the window.
Partner
좋아요. 다른 문장으로도 연습해 볼까요?
joayo. dareun munjangeurodo yeonseupae bolkkayo?
Good. Shall we practice with another sentence too?
You
아침에 가게를 열었어요.
achime gagereul yeoreosseoyo.
I opened the shop in the morning.
This is a sample dialogue for reading aloud. Try both parts, then replace a detail with one from your own life.
Explore ChatPal"to open" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "to open" in Korean
How do I use 열다 in polite speech?
열어요 is the polite conversational form of 열다; 열었어요 gives a past-tense form.
How do I use 열다 in a past-tense sentence?
열었어요 is the polite past form. 열다 is transitive, opening something; 열리다 means that something opens.
What does 열어요 mean here?
열어요 is used for to open. For example, 창문을 열어요. means “I open the window.”
What should I remember about 열다?
열다 is transitive, opening something; 열리다 means that something opens.
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