敞开

• Pinyin: chǎng kāi
• Hanzi breakdown: 敞 = 尚 (phonetic) + 攵 (action); 开 = simplified form showing doors opening

Meaning

To open wide; to leave wide open. Can refer to physical doors/windows or figuratively to hearts and minds.

Often used to describe doors, windows, or spaces that are fully opened. Figuratively used for being open and honest, or for unrestricted access. Common in phrases like 敞开心扉 (open one's heart).

Examples

1. 夏天的时候他总是把窗户敞开让空气流通。 In summer, he always opens the windows wide to let the air circulate.
2. 她敞开心扉跟我聊了整整一个晚上。 She opened up her heart and talked with me for the entire evening.
3. 老板说今天饮料敞开喝，不用节省。 The boss said drinks are unlimited today, no need to hold back.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, emotional expression

Tone: warm

Do Say

• 请敞开大门，欢迎所有客人。(Please open the doors wide and welcome all guests.)
• 我们应该敞开胸怀接受不同的意见。(We should open our minds to accept different opinions.)

Don't Say

• 敞开那本书 (敞开 is for doors, windows, containers, or figurative openness — for books, use 打开)

Origin & History

Compound of 敞 (spacious, open) and 开 (to open). 敞 contains 尚 (still, yet) as a phonetic component.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal