Ouvrir is the most common way to say “open” in French. But as you’ll see, there are several other options depending on the context and nuance you want to convey. Knowing these different ways to express "open" will significantly enrich your French vocabulary and make your conversations sound much more natural. Let’s explore 9 common ways to say “open” (and its various implications) in French!

The standard 'to open' – ouvrir

The standard 'to open' – ouvrir

Ouvrir is the most common and versatile French verb for 'to open'.

Despite its -ir ending, ouvrir is an irregular verb. It conjugates similarly to regular -er verbs in many tenses, and follows the pattern of verbs like couvrir (to cover), offrir (to offer), and souffrir (to suffer).

Here's its present tense conjugation:* j'ouvre (I open)* tu ouvres (you open - singular informal)* il/elle/on ouvre (he/she/one opens)* nous ouvrons (we open)* vous ouvrez (you open - plural/formal)* ils/elles ouvrent (they open)

You’ll use ouvrir for opening physical objects: a door (une porte), a window (une fenêtre), a book (un livre), or a package (un paquet).

Beyond physical objects, ouvrir also applies to opening a business (un commerce), a bank account (un compte bancaire), or even one's eyes (les yeux) or mouth (la bouche).

Ouvrir is a transitive verb, which means it generally takes a direct object. You 'open something' (ouvrir quelque chose).

When something opens by itself, or when expressing 'to open up' in a more metaphorical sense (like 'to open one's heart'), you use the reflexive form s'ouvrir.

The past participle of ouvrir is ouvert. This can also function as an adjective, meaning 'open' (e.g., La porte est ouverte - The door is open).

Its wide range of applications makes ouvrir an essential verb for everyday French conversation. Master its conjugation and uses to express a variety of actions related to 'opening'.

💡 * J'ouvre la porte. (I open the door.)* Elle ouvre ses cadeaux. (She opens her presents.)* Le magasin ouvre à 9h. (The shop opens at 9 AM.)* Les fleurs s'ouvrent au soleil. (The flowers open in the sun.)* Il a ouvert un nouveau compte. (He opened a new account.)* La fenêtre était ouverte. (The window was open.)

The 'wide open' – grand ouvert

The “wide open” – grand ouvert

In French, when something is described as grand ouvert, it means it is 'wide open' or 'fully open'.

While ouvert simply means 'open', adding grand intensifies the meaning, indicating that something is not just ajar or partially open, but completely and extensively open.

This phrase conveys a sense of unrestricted access, maximum exposure, or a state of being completely unobstructed. It's often used for physical openings like doors, windows, or eyes.

You'll frequently hear grand ouvert when describing a door that's swung all the way back, a window letting in a lot of air, or someone's eyes staring intently or in surprise.

Remember that grand must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies: grand ouvert (masculine singular), grande ouverte (feminine singular), grands ouverts (masculine plural), grandes ouvertes (feminine plural).

Using grand ouvert adds a vivid descriptive layer to your French, leaving no doubt about the extent of the openness and enriching your vocabulary.

💡 * La porte est grande ouverte.

• Les fenêtres sont grandes ouvertes pour aérer la pièce.
• Il avait les yeux grands ouverts de surprise.
• Le magasin est grand ouvert dès 8h du matin.

The 'to be open' (state) – être ouvert(e)

To express the state of something being 'open' in French, you'll use the verb être followed by the adjective ouvert(e). This construction describes the condition, not the action, of opening.

The word ouvert is an adjective, meaning it must agree in gender and number with the noun it describes. This is why you will see its forms as ouvert (masculine singular), ouverte (feminine singular), ouverts (masculine plural), or ouvertes (feminine plural).

Most commonly, être ouvert(e) refers to the physical state of something being not closed. This applies to various physical objects such as doors, windows, books, or even establishments like shops and restaurants.

Beyond physical objects, être ouvert(e) can also describe a more abstract or metaphorical 'openness.' This includes being open-minded, receptive to suggestions, or an opportunity being available or accessible.

A very common and useful expression is être ouvert d'esprit (to be open-minded). You might also hear phrases like être ouvert aux nouvelles idées (to be open to new ideas) or le poste est ouvert (the position is open/available).

💡 * La porte est ouverte. (The door is open.)

• Les magasins sont ouverts le dimanche. (The shops are open on Sunday.)
• Elle est très ouverte aux nouvelles cultures. (She is very open to new cultures.)
• Soyez ouverts d'esprit! (Be open-minded!)
• Le livre est ouvert sur la table. (The book is open on the table.)

The 'to unwrap' (a package) – déballer

The verb déballer primarily means 'to unwrap' or 'to unpack' in French.

It is most frequently used when talking about opening packages, gifts, or unpacking items from a box or bag.

Déballer is a regular -ER verb, meaning its conjugation follows the standard pattern for verbs ending in -er.

Beyond physical unwrapping, déballer can also be used to imply 'to reveal' or 'to disclose' information, or simply to unpack one's belongings upon arrival.

💡 *Je vais déballer le cadeau. (I'm going to unwrap the gift.)
*Elle a déballé toutes ses affaires. (She unpacked all her belongings.)
*Il faut déballer les courses. (We need to unpack the groceries.)
*Nous avons déballé les nouveaux produits. (We unpacked the new products.)
*Déballe ton sac ! (Unpack your bag!)

The 'to unlock' – déverrouiller

The “to unlock” – déverrouiller

The verb déverrouiller is the standard and most common way to say “to unlock” in French. It literally means to remove a lock or a locking mechanism.

This verb is formed by adding the prefix dé- (meaning to undo or reverse an action) to the verb verrouiller (to lock). A verrou is a bolt or a lock.

You'll use déverrouiller for unlocking various items, such as a téléphone (phone), a porte (door), a serrure (lock), or even a clavier (keyboard) or ordinateur (computer).

Déverrouiller is a transitive verb, meaning it always takes a direct object. For example, you déverrouiller something (déverrouiller le téléphone, déverrouiller la porte).

Its direct opposite is verrouiller, which means “to lock.” So, you verrouiller a door to lock it, and déverrouiller it to unlock it.

💡 * Il doit déverrouiller son téléphone avec son code. (He has to unlock his phone with his code.)

• Peux-tu déverrouiller la porte s'il te plaît ? (Can you unlock the door please?)
• J'ai déverrouillé mon ordinateur après la mise à jour. (I unlocked my computer after the update.)
• N'oubliez pas de déverrouiller le coffre-fort avant d'y accéder. (Don't forget to unlock the safe before accessing it.)

The 'to unfold' – déplier

The French verb déplier directly translates to “to unfold,” “to open out,” or “to spread out.” It is the antonym of plier, which means “to fold.” This verb describes the action of changing something from a folded or compact state to an open or extended one.

You will frequently encounter déplier when talking about objects that are designed to be folded and then opened. This includes items like maps (déplier une carte), folding chairs (déplier une chaise pliante), umbrellas (déplier un parapluie), blankets (déplier une couverture), or even clothes.

The emphasis of déplier is on the action of transforming something from its compact, folded form into its full, usable state. It implies a deliberate action to reveal or make something larger and accessible. For instance, you might déplier une serviette (unfold a napkin) or déplier un journal (open out a newspaper).

Déplier is a regular -ER verb, which means its conjugation follows the standard pattern for verbs ending in -ER. This makes it relatively straightforward to use in various tenses, such as je déplie (I unfold), tu déplies (you unfold), il a déplié (he unfolded), etc.

💡 *Il faut déplier la carte pour trouver notre chemin. (We need to unfold the map to find our way.)
*Peux-tu déplier la table s'il te plaît ? (Can you unfold the table, please?)
*Elle a déplié le linge propre et l'a rangé. (She unfolded the clean laundry and put it away.)
*N'oublie pas de déplier ton parapluie s'il pleut. (Don't forget to open your umbrella if it rains.)
*Les enfants ont déplié la tente dans le jardin. (The children unfolded the tent in the garden.)

The 'to inaugurate' (a new place) – inaugurer

The French verb inaugurer directly translates to 'to inaugurate' or 'to officially open,' particularly when referring to a new building, exhibition, or event.

It is commonly used to describe the formal opening ceremony of a new establishment, a public space, or the launch of a significant project, marking its official beginning and often involving a public event.

As a regular -er verb, inaugurer is conjugated like parler. It implies a sense of ceremony and importance, often with a formal, public aspect.

💡 *Le président va inaugurer le nouveau musée la semaine prochaine. (The president will inaugurate the new museum next week.)
*Ils ont inauguré leur nouvelle maison avec une grande fête. (They inaugurated their new house with a big party.)
*La ville a décidé d'inaugurer le parc rénové ce printemps. (The city decided to inaugurate the renovated park this spring.)
*L'exposition d'art sera inaugurée par l'artiste lui-même. (The art exhibition will be inaugurated by the artist himself.)

The 'to pierce/make a hole' – percer

The verb percer is a regular -er verb in French that primarily means 'to pierce,' 'to bore,' or 'to make a hole.' It describes the action of creating an opening or penetrating a surface.

You'll frequently use percer for physical actions such as drilling a hole in a wall, piercing ears, or even describing a sharp object penetrating something. Think of it as the go-to verb for creating an aperture.

Beyond its literal sense, percer can also be used figuratively to mean 'to break through,' 'to succeed,' or 'to get to the bottom of something.' For instance, percer un secret means 'to uncover a secret,' and percer dans un domaine means 'to make a breakthrough in a field.'

💡 * Il a percé un trou dans le mur pour accrocher le tableau. (He drilled a hole in the wall to hang the painting.)

• Elle a décidé de se faire percer les oreilles. (She decided to get her ears pierced.)
• Les enquêteurs ont réussi à percer le mystère. (The investigators managed to uncover the mystery.)
• Cet artiste a percé sur la scène internationale. (This artist broke through on the international scene.)

The 'to clear/open up' (a path) – dégager

The French verb dégager is a versatile verb primarily meaning 'to clear,' 'to free,' or 'to open up.' It can be used in both literal and figurative senses, often implying the removal of an obstruction or the creation of space.

One of the most common uses of dégager is in the context of physically clearing something. This could be clearing a path, an obstacle, a table, or even a public space. It implies making something unobstructed or accessible.

Dégager can also be used to mean 'to release,' 'to emit,' or 'to give off.' For instance, a smell can dégager from something, or a feeling can dégager from a situation. It can also mean to disengage or free oneself from a commitment or responsibility.

The reflexive form, se dégager, means 'to get free,' 'to disengage oneself,' or 'to break away.' It's often used when someone or something manages to escape from a difficult situation, a crowd, or a grip.

A very direct, often impolite, imperative form is 'Dégage!' which means 'Get out!' or 'Beat it!' It's used to tell someone to leave quickly and forcefully, often implying they are in the way or unwanted.

💡 *Il faut dégager la route des débris. (We need to clear the road of debris.)
*Cette fleur dégage un parfum agréable. (This flower gives off a pleasant scent.)
*Il a réussi à se dégager de la foule. (He managed to free himself from the crowd.)
*Le gouvernement doit dégager des fonds pour ce projet. (The government must release funds for this project.)
*Dégage d'ici! Je ne veux pas te voir. (Get out of here! I don't want to see you.)

Are there other ways to say 'open' in French?

Are there other ways to say ‘open’ in French?

Our list features the most common ways to say ‘open’ in French, covering verbs like ouvrir and adjectives like ouvert. However, as with many words, French offers a rich vocabulary, including more nuanced, regional, or even slang terms, that extend beyond these primary uses.

To explore further, you might try an online search for ‘comment dire ouvrir en ___’ or ‘synonymes d'ouvert en ___’ followed by a specific Francophone country or region.

You may discover interesting alternative verbs or expressions for 'open.' Always make sure to check a word’s definition and observe how it's used in context before incorporating it into your own vocabulary.

As you continue to read, watch, and listen to French content, pay close attention. You'll naturally encounter different ways to express the concept of 'open' in various situations and contexts.

For a comprehensive look at ouvrir and ouvert, including idiomatic expressions and related vocabulary, the WordReference entry for ouvrir and ouvert is an excellent starting point.

I hope this article has helped you understand the different ways to say 'open' in French. Here’s a thought to finish, from Victor Hugo, reminding us of the power of openness: Les portes de l'avenir sont ouvertes à ceux qui savent les pousser. (The doors of the future are open to those who know how to push them.)