открываться vs открыться
otkryvát'sya vs otkrýt'sya — open/be opening vs open completely
Register: neutral
What it really means
Открываться describes an opening process, a routine opening time, or an ability to open. Открыться marks the completed opening of a door, venue, opportunity, or view, and can also be used figuratively.
Examples in natural speech
Магазин открывается в девять.
The shop opens at nine.
Дверь открылась сама.
The door opened by itself.
Перед нами открывается вид на море.
A view of the sea opens up before us.
Новый музей откроется в мае.
The new museum will open in May.
Окно плохо открывается.
The window does not open easily.
Common mistakes
Do not use откроется for a timetable: Магазин открывается в девять states the regular schedule. Use откроется for its one future launch or for the instant a particular door finally opens.
Memory tip
An opening in progress is a hinge moving—открывается. When the latch releases and the way is available, it has открылось.
Frequently asked questions
Why is «магазин открывается в девять» imperfective?
A timetable is a repeated routine, so the imperfective is standard. It does not mean the shop is opening right this second.
Can «открыться» be used about a person?
Yes, figuratively: Он открылся другу means he confided in a friend or became emotionally open.
What is the transitive counterpart?
Use открывать / открыть when someone opens something: Я открыл окно. Окно открылось has no external agent named.
Note: This site uses JavaScript for interactive drills, audio playback, and progress tracking. Please enable JavaScript for the full experience.