The traditional form of 开 shows two hands (廾) pushing up a crossbar (一) that locks a door. Once the bar is lifted, the door opens. This concrete action gives the character its core meaning: to open. The modern simplified form still hints at this: the top horizontal stroke is the bar, and the bottom part represents the hands.
In Chinese, you 'open' a TV with 打开 (dǎ kāi), not just 开. 开 alone often means 'to hold a meeting' or 'to drive', so 开电视 sounds like you are driving a TV.
While 开一个会 is not strictly wrong, it sounds overly formal and unnatural in everyday speech. HSK 1 learners should use 开会 or 开个会.
开 means 'to open' or 'to turn on', while 关 means 'to close' or 'to turn off'.
| Dimension | 开 (kāi) | 关 (guān) |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | to open, to turn on, to drive | to close, to turn off |
| Example | 开门 (open the door) | 关门 (close the door) |
| Example | 开灯 (turn on the light) | 关灯 (turn off the light) |
| Example | 开车 (drive a car) | — |
Yes, they look similar but have different meanings and pronunciations.
| Dimension | 开 (kāi) | 看 (kàn) |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | to open, to start | to look, to watch |
| Pinyin | kāi | kàn |
| Example | 开门 (open the door) | 看书 (read a book) |
| Example | 开会 (have a meeting) | 看电视 (watch TV) |
Discover how a simple letter from a cookie seller led to an unexpected friendship with a famous scholar. This heartwarming story explores kindness and connection across social divides.
你信上说的那个”杜鲁门没有带走一个人”的故事，也正和邱吉尔在一九四五年 离开 唐宁街十号时没有带走一个人，是一样的。
元真把带来的一个小包 打开 ，里面是十块饼干，黄黄的，有着新烤出来的奶油的香味。
他的一个朋友拿了一块饼干送到他的病房，跟他 开玩笑 ：“我给你吃一样东西。
Learn the fascinating story behind the Chinese idiom '东山再起' (Dongshan Zaiji), which means to make a comeback. Discover its historical roots and modern usage.
朋友跟他 开玩笑 说：“你以前一直待在东山，现在终于愿意出来重新 开始 了。”
比如，“美伊战争 一开始 ，很多恐怖组织就死灰复燃了。”
Why would a millionaire leave a table of lobster and wagyu untouched? This story explores the hidden rules of business dining and the true cost of staying alert.
可他一 开口 ，整桌人都停下来听。
车 开走 了，尾灯拐过路口消失。
Read about a work trip to Beijing where a group of colleagues takes a very large airplane. Practice weather words and actions in a simple travel story.
上个星期，我们公司的六个人去北京 开会 。
Meet Dr. Mi, a doctor and teacher at Sichuan University. This simple HSK 1 story shows his daily routine from morning to night, helping you learn time expressions and everyday activities.
他早上七点十分 开车 去学校，四十五分钟能到学校。
Follow Xiao Li as he copes with the effects of forest fires near his home in the US and reflects on environmental changes. A thoughtful story for HSK 4 learners.
因为风把烟吹到城里，空气变得非常差，很多人 开始 咳嗽，小李也是其中一个。
This humorous dialogue follows a man who spends all his savings on his girlfriend's Apple phone and a lucky number, leaving him broke. A fun read for HSK 3 learners.
从现在 开始 ，不花钱了。
Follow Dazhong, a busy worker in China, as he finds warmth and kindness at a small noodle shop. Practice everyday words for food, weather, and expressing gratitude.
他想：“十点了，太晚了，那个小饭店还 开 吗？”
Think instant noodles are unhealthy? This HSK 6 article challenges common myths and reveals surprising facts about nutrition, oil, and salt in this convenient food.
而当人们用 开水 泡面的时候，如果不另外加盐，还会觉得淡。
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