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开通 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
开通kāitōngto open up (windows for air, ideas for discussion, transport routes etc)HSK 5, unknown, 14 strokes, rank #5235, Hard
开通kāitōngopen-mindedHSK 5, unknown, 14 strokes, rank #5235, Hard
kāitōng(kai1tong1)kai tong T1
  1. 1to open up (windows for air, ideas for discussion, transport routes etc)
  2. 2open-minded
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March 24, 2026

开通(開通)kāitōng(kai1tong1)

开通 (kāitōng) means to open up or to make accessible, often used in contexts such as opening transport routes, allowing airflow, or fostering open-minded discussions. This term suggests a sense of progress and receptivity to new ideas, making it applicable in both physical and metaphorical situations.

Strokes14Frequency#5235DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In China, the concept of 开通 is significant in discussions about modernization and reform, reflecting the country's push towards openness in trade and dialogue. This term embodies the spirit of innovation and progress that is pivotal in contemporary Chinese society.

Memory Tip

Think of 开 (kai) as a door opening wide, allowing fresh air (通, tong) to flow in. Imagine a big window being opened on a pleasant day, representing the idea of openness and connection. The 'k' sound in 开 can remind you of 'key' to unlock new possibilities.

Meanings of 开通

kāitōng(kai1tong1)
1to open up (windows for air, ideas for discussion, transport routes etc)
2open-minded
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About 开通

开通Simplified
開通Traditional
14Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L5IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1

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Podcast: 开通

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AI Study Notes for 开通

Quick Contrast

畅通 (chàngtōng) - use 开通 (kāitōng) when emphasizing the act of opening up or making something accessible, while 畅通 (chàngtōng) focuses more on smoothness and unobstructed flow.

Usage Notes

When using 开通, it's important to match it with the appropriate context, such as discussing transportation or ideas. A common mistake is to confuse it with similar terms like 开放 (kāifàng), which emphasizes a broader meaning of being open or available. Ensure you use the right context to convey the intended meaning.

HSK Study Tips

Although 开通 is not strictly part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects well with other HSK words related to communication and transportation. Focus on the context in which you use it, as it can enhance your conversational skills, especially at HSK 4 and above levels.

Common Mistakes

Learners often mistakenly use 开通 interchangeably with 开放, which can lead to confusion. For example, saying '我们需要开通思想' (Wǒmen xūyào kāitōng sīxiǎng) instead of '我们需要开放思想' (Wǒmen xūyào kāifàng sīxiǎng) can change the intended meaning.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 开通

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Component Characters

开kāito open
HSK 14 strokes廾
View full entry
通tōngto go through
HSK 410 strokes辶
View full entry

How to say to open up (windows for air, ideas for discussion, transport routes etc) in Chinese

“to open up (windows for air, ideas for discussion, transport routes etc)” in Chinese is开通kāitōng

开通 (kāitōng) means to open up or to make accessible, often used in contexts such as opening transport routes, allowing airflow, or fostering open-minded discussions. This term suggests a sense of progress and receptivity to new ideas, making it applicable in both physical and metaphorical situations.

When to use 开通

When using 开通, it's important to match it with the appropriate context, such as discussing transportation or ideas. A common mistake is to confuse it with similar terms like 开放 (kāifàng), which emphasizes a broader meaning of being open or available. Ensure you use the right context to convey the intended meaning.

开通 or something close to it

畅通 (chàngtōng) - use 开通 (kāitōng) when emphasizing the act of opening up or making something accessible, while 畅通 (chàngtōng) focuses more on smoothness and unobstructed flow.

What learners get wrong

Learners often mistakenly use 开通 interchangeably with 开放, which can lead to confusion. For example, saying '我们需要开通思想' (Wǒmen xūyào kāitōng sīxiǎng) instead of '我们需要开放思想' (Wǒmen xūyào kāifàng sīxiǎng) can change the intended meaning.

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开
通

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Frequently Asked Questions about 开通

You can use 开通 when talking about opening new transportation routes, initiating discussions, or describing someone as open-minded.

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