開 (kāi) - To open & to start

開Tone 1

kāi ｜ 12 strokes ｜ radical:

俊梁

開 · kāi

To open;

to start;

to operate;

to drive;

to establish;

to hold (an event);

to boil;

a unit for measuring paper quantity.

To opento startto operate

Usage highlights

Open the doorDrive a carStart a businessHold a meetingBoil waterDevelop

Synonyms

  • 启— To open, to start
  • 张— To open, to spread out
  • 始— To begin, to commence

Antonyms

  • 关— To close, to shut
  • 闭— To close, to shut
  • 合— To close, to join
  • 终— To end, to finish

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • Please open the door (开门).
  • The store opens at 9 AM (商店九点开).
  • He is driving a car (开车).
  • Water is boiling (水开了).

Collocations

  • Open the door(开门)
  • Drive a car(开车)
  • Start a business(开公司)
  • Hold a meeting(开会)
  • Boil water(开水)
  • Develop(开发)

Idioms

  • Open the door and welcome the thief(开门揖盗)
  • Open up new territory(开疆拓土)
  • Everything is auspicious(开市大吉)
  • The flowers are blooming(开花结果)
  • Break new ground(开天辟地)
  • Open-minded and outspoken(开诚布公)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Represents beginnings, expansion, and positive development in Chinese culture.
  • Associated with good fortune in business openings and new ventures.
  • Used metaphorically for enlightenment and new understanding.

FAQ