la porte s'ouvre

Question

Why s' ouvre? The verb "ouvre" is not a reflexive verb. Thank you in advance for taking time to answer.

Accepted Answer

Hi KN,
The verb 'ouvrir' can be transitive or reflexive .
1. Ouvrir quelque chose =  to open something -transitive verb 
Ouvre les rideaux! = Open the curtains!
also
ouvrir la fenêtre, la porte, une boîte de conserve... ( to open the window, the door, a tin...)
2. S'ouvrir = to open - to open out  - reflexive verb 
used for fenêtre, porte, livre, vêtement, etc.
e.g.
Le livre s'ouvre à la page 115  = The book opens at page 115
La robe s'ouvre par devant = The dress opens/unfastens at the front
La fenêtre s'ouvre sur une cour = The window opens on a courtyard 
Hope this helps!

Answer

Although some verbs only exist in a reflexive version, others can be used either reflexively or not.

Vous ouvrez la porte. -- You open the door.
La porte s'ouvre elle-même. -- The door opens itself (by itself).

Le prof accueille les étudiants. -- The professor welcomes the students.
Nous nous accueillons. -- We welcome each other.

Answer

It’s because the door seems to open itself... written in reflexive it gives the sense that the door opened itself.

Answer

The door opens by itself.  Literally - opens itself