열다 (yeol-da, yeolda) · 닫다 (dat-da, datda)
'열다' means to open something to reveal the inside, while '닫다' means to close something to cover or shut the inside.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
To open something to reveal the inside or allow access.
When to use
Opening doors, Opening boxes, Opening books, Opening hearts
The nuance
Used when opening doors, boxes, books, and also metaphorically for opening hearts or opportunities.
To close something that is open to cover or block access.
When to use
Closing doors, Closing boxes, Closing books, Closing hearts
The nuance
Used when closing doors, boxes, books, and also metaphorically for closing hearts or opportunities.
문을 열다.
mun-eul yeol-da., mun eul yeol da.
Appropriate expression for the action of opening a door.
문을 닫다.
mun-eul dat-da., mun eul dat da.
Appropriate expression for the action of closing a door.
책을 열다.
chaek-eul yeol-da., chaek eul yeol da.
Natural expression when opening a book to read.
책을 닫다.
chaek-eul dat-da., chaek eul dat da.
Appropriate expression when closing a book.
마음을 열다.
ma-eum-eul yeol-da., ma eum eul yeol da.
Used when a person opens their heart to be honest.
마음을 닫다.
ma-eum-eul dat-da., ma eum eul dat da.
Appropriate when a person closes their heart to hide feelings.
상자를 닫다.
sang-ja-reul dat-da., sang ja reul dat da.
Natural expression for closing a box.
상자를 열다.
sang-ja-reul yeol-da., sang ja reul yeol da.
Correct expression for opening a box to see inside.
In which situation should you use '열다'?
Which sentence correctly uses '닫다'?
What does '마음을 닫다' mean?
