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March 24, 2026
開kāi(kai1)
The character 開 (kāi) means 'to open' or 'to start' and is commonly used in various contexts, such as opening a door, starting a meeting, or initiating an event. It conveys a sense of beginning or unlocking something, both literally and metaphorically.
Strokes12Radical門Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 'opening' is often associated with new beginnings, such as the Lunar New Year, which symbolizes the opening of a new year and fresh opportunities.
Memory Tip
Imagine a big gate (which resembles the character 開) swinging open to let in fresh air and light. The sound 'kāi' can be associated with the excitement of starting something new, like a new adventure or opportunity.
Meanings of 開
kāi(kai1)
1to open; to start, to initiate, to begin
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 開
開Simplified
12Strokes
門Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 開
Podcast: 開
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AI Study Notes for 開
Quick Contrast
开 (kāi) vs 启 (qǐ) — use 开 for physical openings or starting actions, while 启 is more abstract, often meaning to enlighten or initiate a process.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a big gate (which resembles the character 開) swinging open to let in fresh air and light. The sound 'kāi' can be associated with the excitement of starting something new, like a new adventure or opportunity.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 開 (kāi) with 關 (guān), which means 'to close.' This word is used in both formal and informal contexts, such as in business meetings or casual conversations. Common collocations include 開會 (kāi huì, 'to hold a meeting') and 開始 (kāi shǐ, 'to begin').
HSK Study Tips
Although 開 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects well with other HSK Level 1 and 2 words related to actions and beginnings. Focus on using it in simple sentences to practice its application in daily life.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 'opening' is often associated with new beginnings, such as the Lunar New Year, which symbolizes the opening of a new year and fresh opportunities.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 開 (kāi) with 關 (guān), mistakenly using them interchangeably. For example, saying 開門 (kāi mén) for 'to close the door' is incorrect; it should be 關門 (guān mén).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 開
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Cultural Notes for 開
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of 'opening' is often associated with new beginnings, such as the Lunar New Year, which symbolizes the opening of a new year and fresh opportunities.
Word Family of 開
Words Containing This Character20
开始kāishǐto begin開始
开kāito open開
离开líkāito depart離開
开心kāixīnto feel happy開心
开发kāifāto develop開發
打开dǎkāito open打開
开展kāizhǎnto launch開展
公开gōngkāipublic公開
召开zhàokāito convoke召開
开枪kāiqiāngto open fire開槍
开放kāifàngto bloom開放
展开zhǎnkāito unfold展開
放开to let go放開
开车kāichēto drive a car開車
开玩笑kāiwánxiàoto play a joke開玩笑
分开fēnkāito separate分開
开口kāikǒuto open one's mouth開口
开门to open for business開門
走开zǒukāito leave走開
开通kāitōngto open up (windows for air, ideas for discussion, transportation routes etc)開通
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 开始 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 開
You can say 開門 (kāi mén) to mean 'to open the door'.
Yes, 開 can be used to mean 'to start' a vehicle, such as 開車 (kāi chē) meaning 'to drive'.
Yes, 開 is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, such as in business meetings or casual settings.
