Meanings of 开
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About 开
Podcast: 开
Podcast: 开
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AI Study Notes for 开
开 (kāi) vs 打开 (dǎkāi) — use 开 for starting or initiating actions more generally, while 打开 specifically emphasizes the action of opening something physically.
Think of 开 (kāi) as a door being pushed open, representing the action of starting something new. The character resembles a door (the top line) with the bottom stroke symbolizing the movement to open it, which helps you remember both its meaning and pronunciation.
Common mistakes include confusing 开 (kāi) with other similar-sounding verbs. It is used in both formal and informal contexts, but be careful with tone; always pronounce it as 'kāi' (first tone) to avoid misunderstandings. Typical collocations include 开门 (kāi mén - to open the door) and 开车 (kāi chē - to drive).
As a HSK Level 1 word, 开 (kāi) connects with other basic verbs and actions, making it foundational for building simple sentences. Students should focus on practicing its usage in various contexts to enhance their vocabulary and speaking skills.
In Chinese culture, the act of 开 (to open) symbolizes new beginnings and opportunities, often associated with auspicious occasions like opening a business or starting a new year. For instance, many people celebrate the opening of a new venture with ceremonies for good luck.
Learners often mix up 开 (kāi) with other verbs like 关 (guān - to close). For example, saying '关门' (guān mén) when they mean to say 'open the door' instead of '开门' (kāi mén). Always remember that 开 is for opening or starting.
Pronunciation of 开
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Etymology of 开
Simplified form of 開. Pictograph of two hands opening the bolt on a door. The traditional component 門 was removed for simplification.
Simplified form of 開; hands 廾 lifting the latch 一 of a door
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 开?
Decomposition of 开
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 开?
Write 开
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Practice writing 开 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 开
开 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 13 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The patterns below break down its most common sentence frames, with example sentences and practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) for each one.
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这是我开的车。
This is the car that I drove.
Complete the Sentence
他正在跟老板____会。
He's in a meeting with the boss right now.
Common Confusions with 开
Similar sound but different meaning.
开 means to open or turn on, while 关 means to close or turn off.
请开门。/ 请关门。
开 means to open or turn on, while 关 means to close or turn off.
Spot the Difference
Which character means "to open"?
Usage Notes for 开
Learners often confuse 开 with 关 when describing actions related to doors or devices.
我想关灯。
I want to turn off the light.
Example Sentences for 开 (10)
Cultural Notes for 开
In Chinese culture, the act of 开 (to open) symbolizes new beginnings and opportunities, often associated with auspicious occasions like opening a business or starting a new year. For instance, many people celebrate the opening of a new venture with ceremonies for good luck.
Word Family of 开
Compound Meaning
What does 并 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 开
Common phrases include 开车 (kāi chē - to drive), 开门 (kāi mén - to open the door), and 开会 (kāi huì - to hold a meeting).