Learn the Japanese Word Aku

by Namiko Abe
Namiko Abe was born and raised in Japan. She is a Japanese language teacher and translator, as well as a Japanese calligraphy expert.
Updated June 14, 2017

The Japanese word aku, pronounced "ah-koo", is a commonly-used word translated to mean "to open", "to begin", or "to become vacant".

Japanese Characters

あく

Example

Kono seki wa aite imasu ka.
この席は空いていますか。

Translation: Is this seat taken?