绽放

• Pinyin: zhàn fàng
• Hanzi breakdown: 绽 = 纟 + 定 (to burst); 放 = 方 + 攵 (to release)

Meaning

To bloom; to blossom; to burst open. To open up and display beauty, often describing flowers or smiles.

Literary and poetic term. Used literally for flowers and figuratively for smiles, youth, talent, or beauty. More elegant than 开放. Often seen in: 笑容绽放, 青春绽放, 鲜花绽放.

Examples

1. 春天到来，公园里的樱花竞相绽放，美不胜收。 When spring arrives, the cherry blossoms in the park burst into bloom—it’s breathtaking.
2. 她的脸上绽放出灿烂的笑容，让人感到温暖。 A radiant smile blossomed across her face, and it made people feel warm.
3. 舞台上，年轻演员的才华尽情绽放。 On stage, the young actor’s talent shines to the fullest.

Usage Guide

Context: nature, emotions, performances

Tone: poetic/positive

Do Say

• 夏日花园里，各色玫瑰争相绽放。(In the summer garden, roses of various colors bloom in competition.)
• 当她听到好消息时，脸上顿时绽放出喜悦的光芒。(When she heard the good news, her face instantly blossomed with joy.)

Don't Say

• 绽放书 — 绽放 is for flowers, smiles, or beauty; books are 打开 or 翻开

Origin & History

绽 (to burst open) + 放 (to release)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal