解开

• Pinyin: jiě kāi
• Hanzi breakdown: 解 = 角 (horn) + 刀 (knife) + 牛 (ox), originally to butcher an ox; 开 = simplified form of 開, meaning to open

Meaning

To untie; to undo; to unfasten. To release something that is tied, buttoned, or knotted.

Can be used both literally (untying a knot, unbuttoning a shirt) and figuratively (resolving a misunderstanding, releasing emotional tension). The complement 开 indicates the result of the action — successfully separating or opening.

Examples

1. 他帮我解开了绳子上的结。 He helped me untie the knot on the rope.
2. 请解开你的安全带。 Please unfasten your seatbelt.
3. 她终于解开了心里的疑问。 She finally resolved the doubts in her heart.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, figurative

Tone: practical

Do Say

• 请帮我解开这个结。(Please help me untie this knot.)
• 他解开了外套的扣子。(He unbuttoned his coat.)

Don't Say

• 我要解开这本书。(Don't use 解开 for opening a book — use 打开. 解开 is for untying or unfastening, not opening flat objects.)

Origin & History

Compound of 解 (to untie, to explain) and 开 (to open), forming a resultative complement where 开 indicates the successful completion of untying — something becomes separated or open.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal