开幕式

• Pinyin: kāi mù shì
• Hanzi breakdown: 开 = simplified from 開; 幕 = 艹 + 莫, a curtain; 式 = 工 (work) + 弋 (shoot), indicating a formal pattern

Meaning

Opening ceremony. The formal ceremony marking the beginning of an event.

Refers to the elaborate ceremony that officially begins major events like the Olympics, World Expos, conferences, or festivals. Often includes speeches, performances, and symbolic rituals. A highlight of major international events.

Examples

1. 北京奥运会的开幕式震惊了全世界。 The Beijing Olympics opening ceremony shocked the entire world.
2. 我们受邀参加了新学年的开幕式。 We were invited to attend the new school year's opening ceremony.
3. 开幕式的表演非常精彩，持续了三个小时。 The opening ceremony performance was spectacular and lasted three hours.

Usage Guide

Context: events, sports, ceremonies

Tone: celebratory

Do Say

• 你看开幕式了吗？(Did you watch the opening ceremony?)
• 开幕式定在晚上八点。(The opening ceremony is scheduled for 8 PM.)

Don't Say

• 我们班的开幕式。(Don't use 开幕式 for casual beginnings — it's for grand, formal events)

Origin & History

开幕 (kāimù, opening) + 式 (shì, ceremony/style). The suffix 式 indicates a formal ceremony.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal