Meaning
开阔 describes physical spaces that are wide, open, and expansive, or metaphorically refers to broadening one's mind, perspective, or horizons. As an adjective, it characterizes places with unobstructed views or extensive areas. As a verb, it means to expand or broaden something, especially one's thinking or outlook.
Usage
Commonly used to describe landscapes, views, or physical spaces (视野开阔 'broad view'). Also frequently appears in the phrase 开阔眼界 meaning 'to broaden one's horizons.' The verb usage typically takes 眼界 (horizons), 视野 (perspective), or 思路 (way of thinking) as objects. More formal than casual speech.
Examples
- 01站在山顶上，视野非常开阔，可以看到远处的大海。, , .Standing on the mountaintop, the view is very open and you can see the distant ocean.
- 02多读书、多旅行可以开阔眼界，增长见识。, , .Reading more and traveling more can broaden your horizons and increase your knowledge.
Characters
Common collocations
- 开阔眼界to broaden one's horizons
- 视野开阔to have a broad view
- 心胸开阔broad-minded
- 开阔地open ground, clearing
Antonyms
Origin
Combines 开 (to open) with 阔 (wide/broad), literally meaning 'opened wide.' The compound emphasizes both the action of opening and the resulting state of broadness.