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March 24, 2026
开拓(開拓)kāituò(kai1tuo4)
开拓 refers to the act of opening up new areas, whether in agriculture, development, or metaphorically, in personal or professional growth. It emphasizes the idea of exploration and expansion, often involving the removal of obstacles to create new opportunities.
Frequency#19123DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, 开拓 is often associated with the historical expansion of territories and the pioneering spirit of early farmers and traders who ventured into new lands, reflecting the importance of growth and innovation in society.
Memory Tip
Imagine a farmer (开) using a large, bright torch (拓) to light up and clear a previously untouched field, symbolizing the act of breaking new ground. The sound 'kai' can make you think of 'to open,' and 'tuo' can remind you of 'to expand' or 'to develop.'
Meanings of 开拓
kāituò(kai1tuo4)
1to break new ground (for agriculture)
2to open up (a new seam)
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 开拓
开拓Simplified
開拓Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#19123Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedBCT✓CEFRC2
Podcast: 开拓
Podcast: 开拓
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AI Study Notes for 开拓
Quick Contrast
拓展 (tuòzhǎn) refers more specifically to the expansion of existing areas or ideas, while 开拓 (kāituò) emphasizes the act of opening up new territory or opportunities.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a farmer (开) using a large, bright torch (拓) to light up and clear a previously untouched field, symbolizing the act of breaking new ground. The sound 'kai' can make you think of 'to open,' and 'tuo' can remind you of 'to expand' or 'to develop.'
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 开拓 with similar terms like 拓展 (to expand), which has a slightly different nuance. This word is often used in formal contexts, especially in business or discussions about development. Common collocations include 开拓市场 (developing the market) or 开拓视野 (broadening horizons).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 开拓 is essential for discussing advanced topics related to development and opportunities. Students should focus on its applications in both literal and figurative contexts, as well as related terms like 开发 (to develop) and 拓展 (to expand).
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, 开拓 is often associated with the historical expansion of territories and the pioneering spirit of early farmers and traders who ventured into new lands, reflecting the importance of growth and innovation in society.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 开拓 with 开发; for instance, saying 开发市场 when they mean to express 'opening up new markets' instead of 开拓市场. Remember that 开拓 emphasizes exploration and new opportunities, while 开发 focuses more on development.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 开拓
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Grammar Patterns of 开拓
开拓 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 4 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 4
Complete the Sentence
英国最早尝试在爱尔兰____殖民地是在12世纪。
The first British attempt to colonize Ireland was in the twelfth century.
Example Sentences for 开拓 (3)
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1
英国最早尝试在爱尔兰开拓殖民地是在12世纪。
yīng guó zuì zǎo cháng shì zài ài ěr lán kāi tuò zhí mín dì shì zài12 12 shì。
The first British attempt to colonize Ireland was in the twelfth century.
There is still scope for new writers to break through.
3
英国人在东海岸开拓殖民地.
yīng guó rén zài dōng hǎi àn kāi tuò zhí mín dì.
The English started colonies on the east coast.
Cultural Notes for 开拓
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, 开拓 is often associated with the historical expansion of territories and the pioneering spirit of early farmers and traders who ventured into new lands, reflecting the importance of growth and innovation in society.
Frequently Asked Questions about 开拓
开拓 can be used in both literal contexts, like agriculture or geography, and figurative contexts, such as personal development or exploring new ideas.
While it can be used in everyday conversation, it's more commonly found in formal discussions, especially in business or academic settings.
Yes, 开拓 is often used to describe broadening one's horizons or expanding one's knowledge and experiences.
