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开采 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
开采kāicǎito extract (ore or other resource from a mine)HSK 7, v, rank #14743, Hard
开采kāicǎito exploitHSK 7, v, rank #14743, Hard
开采kāicǎito mineHSK 7, v, rank #14743, Hard
kāicǎi(kai1cai3) T1
  1. 1to extract (ore or other resource from a mine)
  2. 2to exploit
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March 24, 2026
开采(開採)kāicǎi(kai1cai3)

开采 refers to the process of extracting minerals or resources from the earth, particularly in a mining context. This term is commonly used in industries related to mining, geology, and natural resource management, signifying the act of exploiting natural deposits.

Frequency#14743DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In China, mining has been a significant part of economic development, especially in regions rich in natural resources like Shanxi and Inner Mongolia. The term 开采 often comes up in discussions about the balance between economic growth and environmental protection.

Memory Tip

Imagine a miner '开' (kai1) opening a treasure chest full of '采' (cai3) precious ores. The character '开' represents 'to open', while '采' suggests 'to gather or pick'. Together, they form a vivid picture of extracting valuable resources from the earth.

Meanings of 开采

kāicǎi(kai1cai3)
1to extract (ore or other resource from a mine)
2to exploit
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 开采

开采Simplified
開採Traditional
Strokes
Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#14743Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 开采

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Podcast: 开采

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AI Study Notes for 开采

Quick Contrast

开采 (extract) vs 开发 (develop) — use 开采 when specifically referring to the extraction of resources, whereas 开发 implies broader development activities, including planning and utilization.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a miner '开' (kai1) opening a treasure chest full of '采' (cai3) precious ores. The character '开' represents 'to open', while '采' suggests 'to gather or pick'. Together, they form a vivid picture of extracting valuable resources from the earth.

Usage Notes

Be aware that 开采 is typically used in formal contexts related to mining and resource extraction. Common collocations include 开采矿石 (extract ore) and 开采资源 (exploit resources). A common mistake is confusing it with 采集 (cǎijí), which means 'to collect' and is used for gathering non-mineral items like plants.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 6 word, 开采 connects to various topics related to industry, environment, and sustainability that are often discussed in advanced Chinese. Students should focus on understanding its usage in technical contexts and practice related vocabulary such as 矿 (kuàng - mine) and 资源 (zīyuán - resources).

Cultural Note

In China, mining has been a significant part of economic development, especially in regions rich in natural resources like Shanxi and Inner Mongolia. The term 开采 often comes up in discussions about the balance between economic growth and environmental protection.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 开采 with 采集 (cǎijí), which means 'to collect' and is not used for mining contexts. For example, saying '我们去开采花' (Wǒmen qù kāicǎi huā - We go to extract flowers) is incorrect; instead, use '收集花' (shōují huā - collect flowers).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 开采

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Component Characters

kāito open
HSK 14 strokes
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cǎito pick
HSK 78 strokes
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Write 开采

Practice writing 开采 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 开采

开采 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 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Exercise 1 of 2

Complete the Sentence

北海的石油____商激烈反对要求他们在石油钻井平台使用期结束之后将其移除的立法。

North Sea operators kicked against legislation making them responsible for removing oil platforms at the end of their useful life.

Example Sentences for 开采 (2)

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1
北海的石油开采商激烈反对要求他们在石油钻井平台使用期结束之后将其移除的立法。

běi hǎi de shí yóu kāi cǎi shāng jī liè fǎn duì yào qiú tā mén zài shí yóu zuān jǐng píng tái shǐ yòng qī jié shù zhī hòu jiāng qí yí chú de lì fǎ。

North Sea operators kicked against legislation making them responsible for removing oil platforms at the end of their useful life.
2
壳牌石油公司签订了一份开采阿尔汉格尔附近的石油和天然气资源的合同。

ké pái shí yóu gōng sī qiān dìng le yī fèn kāi cǎi ā ěr hàn gé ěr fù jìn de shí yóu hé tiān rán qì zī yuán de hé tóng。

Shell signed a contract to develop oil and gas reserves near Archangel.

Cultural Notes for 开采

🏮Cultural insight

In China, mining has been a significant part of economic development, especially in regions rich in natural resources like Shanxi and Inner Mongolia. The term 开采 often comes up in discussions about the balance between economic growth and environmental protection.

Frequently Asked Questions about 开采

Primarily, yes, 开采 is used for extracting minerals and ores, though it can also refer to extracting other natural resources.