Meanings of 開
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About 開
Podcast: 開
Podcast: 開
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AI Study Notes for 開
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.
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').
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.
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).
Pronunciation of 開
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Etymology of 開
Simplified form of 開. Pictograph of two hands opening the bolt on a door. The traditional component 門 was removed for simplification.
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Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 開
Simplified form of 開. Pictograph of two hands opening the bolt on a door. The traditional component 門 was removed for simplification.
- 1The meaning half門 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half开 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawaygate
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 開? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 開
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How to say to open; to start, to initiate, to begin in Chinese
“to open; to start, to initiate, to begin” in Chinese is開
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.
When to use 開
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').
開 or something close to it
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.
What learners get wrong
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).
Write 開
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Practice writing 開 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 開
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'.
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