开创

• Pinyin: kāi chuàng
• Hanzi breakdown: 开 = 一 + 廾, to open; 创 = 刂 + 仓, to create/initiate (cutting to make new)

Meaning

To pioneer; to initiate; to create. Starting something new and groundbreaking.

Used for founding new fields, eras, or unprecedented achievements. Implies being the first to do something significant. Common phrases: 开创性 (pioneering/groundbreaking), 开创先河 (set a precedent), 开创新局面 (create a new situation). More substantial than simply 'starting.'

Examples

1. 他开创了一种全新的商业模式，改变了整个行业的格局。 He pioneered a completely new business model that changed the landscape of the entire industry.
2. 这项研究具有开创性意义，为后来的科学家指明了方向。 This research has pioneering significance and pointed the way for later scientists.
3. 老一辈革命家开创的事业需要我们继续发扬光大。 The cause pioneered by the older generation of revolutionaries needs us to carry forward and expand.

Usage Guide

Context: innovation, history, business

Tone: admiring

Do Say

• 他开创了这个领域的先河。(He pioneered this field.)
• 我们要开创更加美好的未来。(We must create an even better future.)

Don't Say

• 用开创形容普通的开始，如'开创新的一天' (开创 implies groundbreaking work — for regular beginnings use 开始)

Origin & History

Compound of 开 (to open) + 创 (to create, to initiate). Together meaning to open up and create something new.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal