Common Meanings
1
kāi开
To open, to start, to turn on something that was closed or off.
请帮我把窗户打开。
Please help me open the window.
To divide or split, specifically used to denote paper sizes in printing (e.g., folio, octavo).
印刷厂正在生产大开本的杂志。
The printing factory is producing large-format magazines.
To enlighten; to help someone understand or become perceptive, often implying a sudden realization or breakthrough in understanding.
经过反复练习，他终于开窍了，掌握了这个技巧。
After repeated practice, he finally got it and mastered the technique.
To reveal, uncover, or open up, as in exploiting resources or developing new areas.
这家公司正在积极开辟新的市场来扩大业务。
This company is actively opening up new markets to expand its business.
to expand; to broaden; to develop
旅行可以开阔我们的视野，增长知识
Traveling can broaden our horizons and increase our knowledge.
To start (a machine or engine); to drive (a vehicle); to operate (machinery).
他每天开车去上班。
He drives to work every day.
To begin, to start; to open (e.g., a business for the day).
这家餐厅早上十点准时开门营业。
This restaurant opens for business promptly at 10 AM.
To set up, establish, or found (e.g., a business, an organization, a new era).
他们决定在这个社区开设一家新的咖啡馆。
They decided to open a new coffee shop in this community.
To issue or draw up (a document, a list, etc.)
医生给我开了一个药方。
The doctor wrote me a prescription.
To pay or spend money; an expense or expenditure.
每个月都要开一笔大钱。
A large sum of money has to be spent every month.
To boil; boiling (of water).
水开了吗？我想泡面。
Has the water boiled? I want to make instant noodles.
To hold or organize (an event, a meeting, etc.).
我们明天要开一个重要的会议。
We are going to hold an important meeting tomorrow.
Used after a verb to indicate an outcome where something is moved away or separated.
请把手拿开。
Please take your hand away.