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拉开 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
拉开lākāito pull openHSK 4, unknown, 12 strokes, rank #6630, Medium
拉开lākāito pull apartHSK 4, unknown, 12 strokes, rank #6630, Medium
拉开lākāito space outHSK 4, unknown, 12 strokes, rank #6630, Medium
拉开lākāito increaseHSK 4, unknown, 12 strokes, rank #6630, Medium
lākāi(la1kai1)la kai T1
  1. 1to pull open
  2. 2to pull apart
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March 24, 2026

拉开(拉開)lākāi(la1kai1)

The term '拉开' (lākāi) means to pull something open or apart, often used in contexts where you physically separate objects or create space. It can also imply increasing distance or size, for example, when discussing expanding a range or interval. This phrase is common in both literal and metaphorical applications, such as pulling apart curtains or spacing out items.

Strokes12Frequency#6630DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the act of '拉开' can be seen in various contexts, such as pulling apart the red ribbon at ceremonies to symbolize new beginnings or opportunities, embodying the idea of opening up to new experiences.

Memory Tip

Imagine you have a large curtain ('拉') that you need to open ('开') to let the light in. Picture yourself pulling the curtain apart to create a wider space, which helps you remember that '拉开' means to pull open or apart.

Meanings of 拉开

lākāi(la1kai1)
1to pull open
2to pull apart
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About 拉开

拉开Simplified
拉開Traditional
12Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L4IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1

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Podcast: 拉开

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AI Study Notes for 拉开

Quick Contrast

打开 (dǎkāi) vs 拉开 (lākāi): '打开' emphasizes the action of opening something, while '拉开' specifically refers to pulling something apart or creating space.

Usage Notes

'拉开' is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese, but learners should be careful not to confuse it with similar verbs like '打开' (dǎkāi), which means 'to open' in a more general sense. The phrase is informal, suitable for everyday conversations, but should be used cautiously in formal writing. Be mindful of the tones, as mispronouncing '拉' or '开' can lead to confusion.

HSK Study Tips

While '拉开' is not specifically listed in the HSK vocabulary, it contains characters that are fundamental at HSK Level 1 and 2. Students should focus on mastering the individual characters '拉' and '开' first, as they frequently appear in other phrases and contexts, enhancing comprehension and usage.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse '拉开' with '打开' (to open) and use them interchangeably. For example, saying '我想打开窗帘' (I want to open the curtains) instead of '我想拉开窗帘' can lead to incorrect interpretations.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 拉开

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Component Characters

拉lāto pull
HSK 48 strokes扌
View full entry
开kāito open
HSK 14 strokes廾
View full entry

How to say to pull open in Chinese

“to pull open” in Chinese is拉开lākāi

The term '拉开' (lākāi) means to pull something open or apart, often used in contexts where you physically separate objects or create space. It can also imply increasing distance or size, for example, when discussing expanding a range or interval. This phrase is common in both literal and metaphorical applications, such as pulling apart curtains or spacing out items.

When to use 拉开

'拉开' is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese, but learners should be careful not to confuse it with similar verbs like '打开' (dǎkāi), which means 'to open' in a more general sense. The phrase is informal, suitable for everyday conversations, but should be used cautiously in formal writing. Be mindful of the tones, as mispronouncing '拉' or '开' can lead to confusion.

拉开 or something close to it

打开 (dǎkāi) vs 拉开 (lākāi): '打开' emphasizes the action of opening something, while '拉开' specifically refers to pulling something apart or creating space.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse '拉开' with '打开' (to open) and use them interchangeably. For example, saying '我想打开窗帘' (I want to open the curtains) instead of '我想拉开窗帘' can lead to incorrect interpretations.

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拉
开

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Frequently Asked Questions about 拉开

'拉开' can indeed be used metaphorically, such as in the context of increasing the distance in a relationship or expanding thoughts.

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