展开

• Pinyin: zhǎn kāi
• Hanzi breakdown: 展 = 尸 (body) + lower components, meaning 'to spread' or 'to display'; 开 = simplified from 開, meaning 'to open'

Meaning

To unfold; to spread out; to carry out; to launch. Used for physically opening something or figuratively beginning an activity.

Has both literal and figurative meanings: (1) physically unfold or spread out (展开地图 = unfold a map), and (2) figuratively to launch, carry out, or begin (展开讨论 = launch a discussion, 展开调查 = carry out an investigation). Very common in formal and news contexts.

Examples

1. 老师展开地图让大家看。 The teacher unfolded the map for everyone to see.
2. 学校展开了一次环保活动。 The school launched an environmental protection activity.
3. 双方围绕这个话题展开了讨论。 Both sides launched a discussion around this topic.

Usage Guide

Context: work, news, academic

Tone: active

Do Say

• 我们将展开一项新的研究。(We will carry out a new research project.)
• 请把这张纸展开。(Please unfold this piece of paper.)

Don't Say

• 我展开了早饭。(Don't use 展开 for routine daily activities — it implies launching something significant or physically unfolding; use 开始 for 'starting breakfast')

Origin & History

展 (to spread, to display) + 开 (to open). Together: to open up and spread out — to unfold or to launch.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal