verb HSK 4
Traditional 裂開
to crack · to split open · to break apart
Meaning
裂开 describes something splitting, cracking, or breaking apart into separate pieces. It can refer to physical objects like walls, wood, or containers cracking open, as well as metaphorical uses like hearts breaking emotionally. The word emphasizes the action of separating or opening through a rupture.
Usage
Commonly used to describe physical damage or breakage. In modern internet slang, young people sometimes use 我裂开了 (wǒ liè kāi le) humorously to mean 'I'm broken/devastated' or 'I can't handle this' when reacting to embarrassing or overwhelming situations. Usually takes 了 to indicate completion.
Examples
- 01地震后，地面裂开了一条大缝。, .After the earthquake, a large crack split open in the ground.
- 02这个木头太干了，都裂开了。, .This wood is too dry; it's all cracked open.
Characters
Measure words
- 道一道裂开的缝
Common collocations
- 裂开了split open (completed)
- 墙裂开the wall cracked
- 地面裂开the ground split open
Antonyms
Origin
裂 originally depicted a piece of cloth being torn apart. Combined with 开 (to open), the compound emphasizes the opening or separating aspect of the split.