Inklingo

How to Say "to open" in Spanish

English → Spanish

abrir

ah-BREER/aˈβɾiɾ/

verbA1general
Use 'abrir' when referring to the physical act of opening everyday items like doors, windows, books, or containers.
A wooden door slightly open, with bright light shining through the gap.

Examples

Por favor, abre la puerta para que entre el perro.

Please, open the door so the dog can come in.

Ella siempre abre su libro de texto antes de la clase.

She always opens her textbook before class.

Abierto vs. Abrido

The past participle ('-ado' or '-ido' form) of 'abrir' is irregular: it's 'abierto,' not 'abrido'. This form is used to create compound tenses (He abierto) or as an adjective (La tienda está abierta).

inaugurar

/ee-now-goo-RAR//inauɡuˈɾaɾ/

verbB1formal
Use 'inaugurar' for the formal, ceremonial opening of something for the first time, such as a new building or event.
A person cutting a wide red ribbon with large golden scissors in front of a new building entrance.

Examples

Mañana van a inaugurar el nuevo centro comercial.

Tomorrow they are going to open the new shopping center.

El presidente inauguró la exposición de arte ayer.

The president inaugurated the art exhibition yesterday.

Espero que inauguren la biblioteca pronto.

I hope they open the library soon.

Opening for the first time

Unlike 'abrir' which can be used for windows or daily shop openings, 'inaugurar' is only used for the very first official opening ceremony.

It's an action on something

This verb always needs an object. You always 'inaugurar' something, like a park, a bridge, or a season.

Using it for everyday actions

Mistake: “Inauguro la puerta de mi casa.”

Correction: Abro la puerta de mi casa. (Unless you are having a formal ceremony for your new front door!)

convocar

/kon-bo-kar//komboˈkaɾ/

verbB2formal
Use 'convocar' when 'to open' means to announce or officially start a process, like a job application period or a meeting.
A colorful megaphone on a stand with sound waves coming out, symbolizing a public announcement.

Examples

El ministerio va a convocar nuevas plazas de profesor.

The ministry is going to announce new teaching positions.

Han decidido convocar un concurso de fotografía.

They have decided to open a photography contest.

Cada año suelen convocar becas para estudiar en el extranjero.

Every year they usually announce grants to study abroad.

The Passive Use

You will often see this used with 'se' (e.g., 'Se convoca un concurso'), which means 'A contest is being announced.' This is common in official flyers.

Abrir vs. Inaugurar

Learners often confuse 'abrir' and 'inaugurar.' Remember that 'abrir' is for everyday actions like opening a door, while 'inaugurar' is specifically for the first, official opening of something new to the public.

Related Translations

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