开

• Pinyin: kāi
• Hanzi breakdown: 开 = simplified from 開, depicting hands (廾) removing a bolt from a door (门) — to open

Meaning

To open; to turn on; to start. A versatile verb used for opening, starting, and operating things.

Extremely common verb with many uses: open a door (开门), turn on a light (开灯), drive a car (开车), hold a meeting (开会), start a business (开店). The opposite is 关 (close/turn off).

Examples

1. 请开门。 Please open the door.
2. 你能开一下灯吗？ Can you turn on the light?
3. 商店八点开门。 The shop opens at eight.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, action

Tone: direct

Do Say

• 请开窗户。(Please open the window.)
• 他会开车。(He can drive.)

Don't Say

• 开书看看。(Books are not 'opened' with 开 — use 打开 for opening a book)

Origin & History

The simplified form of 開. The traditional character depicts two hands removing a bar from a door — the act of opening.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal