Meaning
打开 is a separable verb meaning 'to open' or 'to turn on.' It applies to physical objects like doors, windows, books, and boxes, as well as electronic devices and abstract things like files or topics. The verb combines 打 (to hit/strike) with 开 (to open), suggesting the action of causing something to open.
Usage
This is one of the most common verbs for 'opening' in everyday Mandarin. Use it for doors, windows, containers, appliances, and digital files. As a separable verb, you can insert other elements between 打 and 开, such as 打不开 (can't open) or 打得开 (able to open). Native speakers use it constantly in daily life.
Examples
- 01请打开书翻到第十页。.Please open your book and turn to page ten.
- 02我打不开这个瓶子。.I can't open this bottle.
Characters
Common collocations
- 打开门to open the door
- 打开电视to turn on the TV
- 打开电脑to turn on the computer
- 打开窗户to open the window
Antonyms
Origin
The combination of 打 (strike) and 开 (open) creates the meaning of causing something to open through action, originally perhaps referring to physically forcing something open.