Meanings of 展开
By ear
Play it, then pick what 展开 means.
About 展开
Podcast: 展开
Podcast: 展开
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 展开
展开 (zhǎnkāi) vs 扩展 (kuòzhǎn) — use 展开 when emphasizing the act of unfolding or initiating, while 扩展 focuses more on the idea of expanding in size or scope.
Learners often confuse '展开' with similar verbs like '开始' (kāi shǐ, to start). '展开' is more about the process of unfolding or developing, while '开始' indicates the initiation of an action. It's generally used in both formal and informal contexts, but be mindful of the tone, as it can sound overly dramatic if misused.
'展开' is an HSK Level 5 word, linking well to other verbs that describe actions of development or initiation, such as '进行' (jìn xíng, to carry out) and '实施' (shí shī, to implement). Focus on using '展开' in sentences that describe processes or events to reinforce its meaning.
A common mistake is to use '展开' inappropriately in contexts where '开始' would be more suitable, such as saying '展开工作' (zhan3 kai1 gong1 zuo4) instead of '开始工作' (kāi shǐ gōng zuò) when referring to starting work.
Pronunciation of 展开
Drill the tone of 展开 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 展开 to You
Let me explain 展开 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 展开 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
How Well Do You Know 展开?
Learning Lab
Knowing 展开 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Component Characters
How to say to unfold in Chinese
“to unfold” in Chinese is展开
The term '展开' (zhan3 kai1) means to unfold or to expand, and is commonly used in contexts where something is being initiated or developed, such as plans, discussions, or events. It can also imply a sense of progress or moving forward, indicating that an activity is actively taking place.
When to use 展开
Learners often confuse '展开' with similar verbs like '开始' (kāi shǐ, to start). '展开' is more about the process of unfolding or developing, while '开始' indicates the initiation of an action. It's generally used in both formal and informal contexts, but be mindful of the tone, as it can sound overly dramatic if misused.
展开 or something close to it
展开 (zhǎnkāi) vs 扩展 (kuòzhǎn) — use 展开 when emphasizing the act of unfolding or initiating, while 扩展 focuses more on the idea of expanding in size or scope.
What learners get wrong
A common mistake is to use '展开' inappropriately in contexts where '开始' would be more suitable, such as saying '展开工作' (zhan3 kai1 gong1 zuo4) instead of '开始工作' (kāi shǐ gōng zuò) when referring to starting work.
Write 展开
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 展开 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 展开
展开 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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
调查已经____,以查明灾难是如何发生的。
An investigation is underway to find out how the disaster happened.
Example Sentences for 展开 (10)
Ask Jason
Have a question about 展开?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
Frequently Asked Questions about 展开
'展开' can definitely be used in everyday conversation, especially when discussing plans or events, making it a versatile term.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 展开?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.