The word 展开 (zhǎnkāi) is a useful verb that you'll hear in many situations. It literally means 'to unfold,' like unfolding a map or a blanket. However, it's very commonly used in a more abstract sense too.
You can use 展开 to talk about 'carrying out' or 'launching' an activity, a project, or a discussion. Think of it as starting something and letting it develop. For example, a company might '展开' a new marketing campaign, or two people might '展开' a conversation.
When you 展开 something, you're essentially unfolding it, making it visible or active. Think of it like unrolling a scroll or launching a new project.
It often implies a process of making something bigger, broader, or more detailed from an initial state.
You can use it for abstract ideas, like 展开 an investigation or 展开 a discussion, as well as more concrete things, like 展开 a map.
The core idea is moving from a compact or potential state to an expanded or actualized one.
When using 展开 to mean 'to unfold', it often refers to something that was previously folded or rolled up, like a map or a scroll. For example, 你能把地图展开吗? (Can you unfold the map?)
When 展开 means 'to carry out' or 'to launch', it suggests initiating or putting into action a plan, a discussion, or a project. For instance, 他们正在展开一项新的调查 (They are carrying out a new investigation).
It implies a process of starting something and letting it progress, rather than simply beginning it. You wouldn't typically use 展开 for a very simple, instantaneous action.
It can also be used in a more abstract sense, like展开讨论 (to launch a discussion) or 展开想象 (to unleash one's imagination).
§ What 展开 means and when to use it
The Chinese word 展开 (zhǎnkāi) is a versatile verb that often pops up in various contexts. At its core, it means to 'unfold' or 'spread out.' Think of something that was folded or closed, and now it's opening up. But it's not just for physical things; it also applies to actions and ideas.
- Definition
- To unfold; to carry out; to launch.
You'll find 展开 used when something literally 'unfolds.' For instance, if you have a map, you 展开 it. If a flower blooms, it 展开s its petals. This is the most straightforward use.
请把地图展开，我们看看路线。(Please unfold the map, let's look at the route.)
花瓣慢慢地展开了。(The petals slowly unfolded.)
However, 展开 goes beyond just physical unfolding. It's very common when talking about 'carrying out' or 'launching' activities, plans, or discussions. When a company starts a new project, they 展开 the project. When a school organizes an event, they 展开 the event. It implies starting something and letting it progress.
公司决定展开一项新的市场调查。(The company decided to launch a new market survey.)
他们正在展开讨论关于未来的计划。(They are carrying out discussions about future plans.)
You might also see it used for developing or expanding something, like a country's economy or a person's talent. It suggests a process of growth and progress.
这个项目有助于当地经济的展开。(This project helps with the development of the local economy.)
When you're dealing with abstract concepts like 'imagination' or 'wings,' 展开 is also the word to use. It means to let something spread freely or to give it full play.
孩子们展开了丰富的想象力。(The children gave full play to their rich imagination.)
So, to summarize, you'll use 展开 when you want to express:
- Something physically opening or spreading out.
- Initiating or carrying out an activity, project, or discussion.
- Developing or expanding an abstract idea or concept.
It's a dynamic word that implies movement from a closed or static state to an open or active one. Pay attention to the context, and you'll quickly get a feel for its various uses.
Alright, let's get into how to use 展开 (zhǎnkāi). This word is pretty versatile, so you'll hear it in a lot of different situations. Remember, it generally means to 'unfold,' 'carry out,' or 'launch' something. Think about things that start or become bigger or more visible.
§ Basic Sentence Structure
The most common way to use 展开 is as a verb. It usually follows a subject (who or what is doing the unfolding/carrying out) and is followed by an object (what is being unfolded or carried out). Simple as that.
他们将展开一项新的调查。
- Translation Hint
- They will launch a new investigation.
会议展开了热烈的讨论。
- Translation Hint
- The meeting unfolded into a heated discussion.
§ Prepositions and Adverbs
Unlike English, Chinese doesn't always rely on prepositions in the same way. For 展开, you'll often see it directly with its object. However, you can use adverbs to add more detail about how something is being unfolded or carried out.
我们应该积极展开合作。
- Translation Hint
- We should actively carry out cooperation.
Here, 积极 (jījí, actively) modifies 展开, telling us *how* the cooperation should be carried out. No preposition needed after 展开.
§ Common Collocations
To sound more natural, learn 展开 with common nouns it pairs with. Here are a few:
展开调查 (zhǎnkāi diàochá) - to launch/conduct an investigation
警方已展开调查。
- Translation Hint
- The police have launched an investigation.
展开讨论 (zhǎnkāi tǎolùn) - to start/have a discussion
我们明天会展开讨论。
- Translation Hint
- We will start a discussion tomorrow.
展开活动 (zhǎnkāi huódòng) - to carry out/launch an activity/event
学校展开了一系列活动。
- Translation Hint
- The school launched a series of activities.
§ More Examples
Here are a few more to help you get the hang of it:
When referring to something literally unfolding:
他展开了地图。
- Translation Hint
- He unfolded the map.
For actions or initiatives:
公司决定展开一项新的市场营销计划。
- Translation Hint
- The company decided to launch a new marketing plan.
Remember, context is king. While 展开 has a core meaning of initiating or widening something, the specific English translation will depend on what's being unfolded or carried out. Keep practicing these examples, and you'll get a feel for it quickly!
Wusstest du?
In ancient China, scrolls were '展开' (unfolded) to be read, and banners were '展开' (unfurled) to display messages.
Aussprachehilfe
- confusing 'zh' with 'z' or 'j'
- not aspirating 'k' enough
Beispiele nach Niveau
这本书在第一章就展开了一个有趣的故事。
This book unfolds an interesting story in the first chapter.
展开 (zhǎn kāi) here means 'to unfold' or 'to develop'.
我们计划下周展开一个新的项目。
We plan to launch a new project next week.
展开 (zhǎn kāi) in this context means 'to launch' or 'to start'.
会议结束后，他们立刻展开了讨论。
After the meeting, they immediately carried out a discussion.
展开 (zhǎn kāi) means 'to carry out' or 'to initiate'.
请把地图展开，我们看看路线。
Please unfold the map, let's look at the route.
展开 (zhǎn kāi) refers to physically 'unfolding' something.
政府展开了一项全国性的调查。
The government launched a nationwide investigation.
展开 (zhǎn kāi) means 'to launch' or 'to conduct'.
他展开了笑容，看起来很高兴。
He broke into a smile, looking very happy.
展开 (zhǎn kāi) can also describe a facial expression, like 'to break into'.
为了提高服务质量，公司展开了员工培训。
To improve service quality, the company carried out employee training.
展开 (zhǎn kāi) means 'to carry out' or 'to conduct'.
这场活动将在城市中心展开。
This event will unfold in the city center.
展开 (zhǎn kāi) can mean 'to take place' or 'to unfold' in terms of an event.
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
我们计划在下个月展开新项目。
We plan to launch a new project next month. (我们 plan to next month launch new project)
她展开了地图，仔细研究路线。
She unfolded the map and carefully studied the route. (她 unfolded the map, carefully studied route)
会议将展开深入讨论。
The meeting will unfold a deep discussion. (会议 will unfold deep discussion)
警方已经展开了调查。
The police have already launched an investigation. (警方 already launched an investigation)
这幅画卷展开后，景色非常美丽。
After this scroll painting is unfolded, the scenery is very beautiful. (这幅 scroll painting unfolded after, scenery very beautiful)
鸟儿展开翅膀飞向天空。
The bird spread its wings and flew towards the sky. (鸟儿 spread wings flew towards sky)
他们对敌人展开了猛烈的攻势。
They launched a fierce offensive against the enemy. (他们 to enemy launched fierce offensive)
请展开你的想象力。
Please unfold your imagination. (请 unfold your imagination power)
听到好消息，她展开了笑颜。
Hearing the good news, she broke into a smile. (听到 good news, she broke into smile)
未来几年，公司将展开宏伟的蓝图。
In the next few years, the company will unfold a grand blueprint. (未来 few years, company will unfold grand blueprint)
Wird oft verwechselt mit
Often interchangeable with 展开 for 'to carry out activities', but 开展 has a stronger sense of systematic execution.
General 'to start'. 展开 is for 'unfolding' or launching something more complex.
'To develop' or 'to grow' over time, a continuous process, unlike 展开's 'unfold' or 'launch'.
Leicht verwechselbar
Both 展开 and 开展 can mean 'to launch' or 'to carry out' an activity. The key difference is subtle but important for natural usage.
While 展开 focuses on the initial unfolding or starting of an activity (like unrolling a scroll), 开展 emphasizes the execution and progression of an activity, often a planned, systematic one. 开展 is frequently used for official or large-scale events.
学校将开展一系列环保活动. (The school will *carry out* a series of environmental protection activities.)
Both relate to development or growth, leading to confusion when talking about progress.
展开 means to unfold or launch something that already exists or is about to start. 发展 means 'to develop' or 'to grow' over time, referring to a continuous process of improvement or expansion. You 展开 a plan, but a country 发展s its economy.
中国经济发展很快. (China's economy is *developing* very fast.)
Both imply a beginning, making them seem interchangeable at times.
开始 is a very general word for 'to start' or 'to begin' any action or event. 展开 specifically implies opening something up or initiating a more complex or extensive activity, often from a closed or dormant state. You can 开始 eating, but you 展开 a discussion.
我们开始学习汉语. (We *started* learning Chinese.)
Both can mean 'to launch' or 'to initiate', especially with campaigns or movements.
发起 means 'to initiate' or 'to propose' something, often a movement, campaign, or challenge. It emphasizes the origin or first proposal. 展开 focuses more on the actual process of unfolding or carrying out the initiated thing.
他发起了一项新的慈善活动. (He *initiated* a new charity event.)
The 'unfold' meaning of 展开 can overlap with 'open' in certain contexts.
打开 generally means 'to open' a physical object (door, book, box). 展开, while it can mean 'to unfold' something physical (like a map), is more frequently used for abstract things like discussions, activities, or situations that 'unfold' or are 'launched'.
请打开书. (Please *open* the book.)
Tipps
Unfolding Plans
Think of 展开 as physically unfolding something, like a map or a scroll. This helps grasp its meaning of starting or initiating something, like unfolding a new project.
Carrying Out Actions
It's often used when an action or activity is being carried out or developed. For example, 展开工作 (zhǎnkāi gōngzuò) means to carry out work.
Launching Campaigns
When you launch a campaign or an event, 展开 is the right word. 展开活动 (zhǎnkāi huódòng) means to launch an activity.
Visualizing Expansion
Visualize something expanding or spreading out. This can be a discussion unfolding or a market expanding.
Focus on Progress
The nuance of 展开 often implies that something is in progress or about to be put into motion. It suggests an ongoing or beginning state.
Common Collocations
Memorize common phrases like 展开讨论 (zhǎnkāi tǎolùn - to start a discussion) or 展开调查 (zhǎnkāi diàochá - to launch an investigation). These are very practical.
Active Usage
Try to use 展开 in your own sentences as soon as you learn it. For example, '我们要展开新的计划.' (Wǒmen yào zhǎnkāi xīn de jìhuà. - We want to launch a new plan.)
Not Just Physical
Don't limit 展开 to just physical unfolding. It's often used for abstract concepts, like developing ideas or initiating relationships.
Formal and Official
展开 tends to be used in more formal or official contexts. For everyday, casual 'starting' you might use 开始 (kāishǐ) instead. For example, you start dinner (开始), but launch a big project (展开).
Wortherkunft
The character '展' (zhǎn) originally depicted a person stretching or unfurling something. The character '开' (kāi) means 'to open'.
Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: The combination of '展' and '开' literally means 'to unfurl and open', which naturally extends to the meaning of 'unfold' or 'spread out'.
Sino-Tibetan, Sinitic languages, Mandarin Chinese.Kultureller Kontext
When Chinese people say '展开', they often imply a process of starting something new or expanding an existing idea. It suggests moving from a conceptual stage to a more active, visible one. This word is frequently used in formal contexts like business meetings or government announcements, highlighting its practical and action-oriented nature.
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
Planning and Execution
- 展开计划 (to unfold a plan)
- 展开工作 (to carry out work)
- 展开行动 (to launch an action)
Discussion and Development
- 展开讨论 (to unfold a discussion)
- 展开合作 (to carry out cooperation)
- 展开研究 (to launch research)
Starting Events or Activities
- 展开活动 (to launch an event)
- 展开比赛 (to launch a competition)
- 展开调查 (to carry out an investigation)
Figurative Unfolding (like a story or a scene)
- 故事展开 (the story unfolds)
- 画面展开 (the scene unfolds)
- 局面展开 (the situation unfolds)
Progress and Implementation
- 项目展开 (the project is carried out)
- 任务展开 (the task is launched)
- 工作正在展开 (the work is currently unfolding)
Gesprächseinstiege
"你最近有什么新计划要展开吗？ (Do you have any new plans to unfold/carry out recently?)"
"公司最近要展开什么大项目？ (What big project is the company going to launch recently?)"
"你觉得这个故事会怎么展开？ (How do you think this story will unfold?)"
"我们应该如何展开这次讨论？ (How should we unfold/start this discussion?)"
"为了更好地开展工作，你需要什么支持？ (What support do you need to better carry out the work?)"
Tagebuch-Impulse
写下你最近想要展开的一项新技能或爱好。你计划如何开始？ (Write about a new skill or hobby you want to unfold/start recently. How do you plan to begin?)
描述一次你成功展开了某个计划的经历。你是怎么做到的？ (Describe an experience where you successfully unfolded/carried out a plan. How did you do it?)
思考一个你希望能在未来展开的合作项目。你觉得成功的关键是什么？ (Think about a collaborative project you hope to launch in the future. What do you think are the keys to success?)
写下你对一个正在展开的社会事件的看法。 (Write down your thoughts on a social event that is unfolding.)
如果你有机会展开一项大型活动，你会选择什么主题？为什么？ (If you had the chance to launch a large event, what theme would you choose? Why?)
Teste dich selbst 60 Fragen
Which word is an antonym for '展开' (to unfold)?
展开 means to unfold or launch, so '收回' (to take back or retract) is a direct antonym.
Which word is a synonym for '展开' (to carry out)?
In the context of 'carrying out' a plan or activity, '进行' is a very close synonym to '展开'.
Choose the best option to complete the sentence: 他们___了新的计划。 (Tāmen ___ le xīn de jìhuà. - They ___ a new plan.)
'展开' is used when launching or starting a new plan or project.
The sentence '我们展开了一个新的项目。' (Wǒmen zhǎnkāi le yí ge xīn de xiàngmù.) means 'We finished a new project.'
'展开' means to launch or start, so '我们展开了一个新的项目' means 'We launched a new project', not 'finished'.
When you open a map, you can say '展开地图' (zhǎnkāi dìtú).
'展开' can mean to unfold, which is exactly what you do with a map.
You can use '展开' to say 'the flower unfolded its petals'.
'展开' means to unfold, and it is correct to use it for petals opening.
Listen and understand a common greeting.
Listen and understand a common expression of gratitude.
Listen and understand a common farewell.
Read this aloud:
你好吗？
Focus: nǐ hǎo ma
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
我很好。
Focus: wǒ hěn hǎo
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
你叫什么名字？
Focus: nǐ jiào shén me míng zi
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Subject + Verb + Object. 我 (I) 展开 (unfold/open) 书 (book).
Subject + Verb + Object. 她 (She) 展开 (unfold) 画 (painting).
Subject + Verb + Object. 他们 (They) 展开 (carry out/launch) 计划 (plan).
The teacher said we will start a new project next week.
The store is launching a big promotional event.
Please unfold the map so we can see how to get there.
Read this aloud:
公司会展开一项调查。
Focus: zhǎn kāi
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
他展开了笑容。
Focus: zhǎn kāi
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
我们应该展开讨论。
Focus: zhǎn kāi
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This sentence means 'Today we are launching a new project.' '我们' (wǒmen) means 'we', '今天' (jīntiān) means 'today', '展开' (zhǎnkāi) means 'to launch', '一个' (yīgè) means 'a/an', '新' (xīn) means 'new', and '项目' (xiàngmù) means 'project'. The correct order forms a simple declarative sentence.
This sentence means 'She wants to carry out her plan.' '她' (tā) means 'she', '想' (xiǎng) means 'to want/think', '展开' (zhǎnkāi) means 'to carry out', '她的' (tāde) means 'her', and '计划' (jìhuà) means 'plan'. The words are arranged in a typical subject-verb-object structure.
This sentence means 'Please unfold the map and take a look.' '请' (qǐng) means 'please', '你' (nǐ) means 'you', '展开' (zhǎnkāi) means 'to unfold', '地图' (dìtú) means 'map', and '看看' (kànkan) means 'to take a look'. The order forms a polite request.
公司计划在下个月___一项新的市场营销活动。
“展开”在这里表示“to launch”或“to carry out”一项活动。
会议结束后，他们开始___详细的讨论。
“展开”可以表示“to unfold”或“to initiate”某事，例如讨论。
为了更好地理解问题，我们需要___深入的调查。
“展开调查”是一个常用搭配，意为“to carry out an investigation”。
“展开”可以用来形容一个人摊开一张地图。
“展开”有“to unfold”的意思，可以用于摊开物体，如地图。
“展开”和“开始”的意思完全相同，可以互换使用。
虽然“展开”有时有“开始”的含义，但它更强调过程的推进和铺开，而“开始”只是一个动作的起点，二者不完全相同，不能总是互换。
当你想表达“进行一项工作”时，可以使用“展开工作”。
“展开工作”是地道的表达，表示“to carry out work”或“to launch work”。
This sentence means 'A new marketing campaign is about to unfold.'
This sentence means 'The meeting will be carried out next Monday.'
This sentence means 'They plan to launch a charity project.'
公司计划在下个季度___一项新的市场推广活动。
‘开展’ (kāizhǎn) specifically means to launch or carry out an activity or plan. The other options don't fit the context of 'launching a marketing campaign.'
为了更好地服务社区，我们将___一系列志愿活动。
‘展开’ (zhǎnkāi) is the correct verb for initiating or carrying out a series of activities or a plan. The other options have different meanings.
经过长时间的准备，谈判终于可以___了。
‘展开’ (zhǎnkāi) is used when a process or activity begins or starts to unfold. It perfectly fits the context of negotiations finally starting.
面对挑战，我们需要___积极的应对措施。
‘展开’ (zhǎnkāi) is appropriate when referring to initiating or implementing a series of actions or measures in response to a situation.
这场讨论会旨在___对未来教育模式的深度思考。
‘展开’ (zhǎnkāi) works well here to mean 'to unfold' or 'to initiate' a deep discussion or thought process.
政府正在全国范围内___一项环境保护运动。
‘开展’ (kāizhǎn) is often used for launching or carrying out large-scale campaigns, movements, or activities across a wide area.
Imagine you are planning a large-scale community event. Describe three activities you would '展开' (launch/carry out) to ensure its success. Explain your choices.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
为了确保社区活动的成功，我将展开以下三项活动。首先，我将展开全面的宣传活动，通过社交媒体和社区公告栏发布信息，吸引更多人参与。其次，我将展开志愿者招募，组织培训，确保有足够的人手提供支持。最后，我将展开详细的场地布置工作，包括舞台搭建、音响设备调试等，以创造一个良好的活动氛围。
You are a project manager. Your team needs to '展开' (unfold/carry out) a new marketing strategy. What are the key steps involved in this process, and what challenges might you face?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
作为项目经理，要展开新的营销策略，关键步骤包括：首先，展开深入的市场调研，了解目标客户和竞争对手。其次，根据调研结果展开策略制定，明确营销目标和具体措施。然后，展开详细的执行计划，分配资源和任务。最后，定期展开效果评估，根据反馈调整策略。挑战可能包括市场变化、资源限制和团队协作问题。
Describe a scenario where a person might '展开' (unfold) a map or a scroll. What details would you include to make the description vivid?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
在一个古老的图书馆里，一位学者小心翼翼地从书架上取下一卷泛黄的古籍。他走到一张木桌前，缓缓地展开那卷精致的画轴。随着他指尖的轻触，一幅山水画卷徐徐摊开，古朴的墨香弥漫在空气中，仿佛将人带回了千年前的时光。
根据这段文字，计划中的健康讲座主要目的是什么？
Read this passage:
为了更好地服务社区居民，我们计划在下个月展开一系列健康讲座。这些讲座将涵盖常见疾病预防、健康饮食和心理健康等多个方面。届时，我们将邀请知名专家学者，为居民提供专业指导和建议。我们希望通过这些活动，能够提升居民的健康意识和生活质量。
根据这段文字，计划中的健康讲座主要目的是什么？
文章明确提到“我们希望通过这些活动，能够提升居民的健康意识和生活质量。”
文章明确提到“我们希望通过这些活动，能够提升居民的健康意识和生活质量。”
公司为什么要展开这项市场调查？
Read this passage:
公司决定展开一项全面的市场调查，以了解消费者对新产品的需求和偏好。这项调查将包括问卷访谈、焦点小组讨论和数据分析等环节。我们预计在三个月内完成调查报告，并根据结果调整产品研发和营销策略。这项调查对于新产品的成功上市至关重要。
公司为什么要展开这项市场调查？
文章中写道：“公司决定展开一项全面的市场调查，以了解消费者对新产品的需求和偏好。”
文章中写道：“公司决定展开一项全面的市场调查，以了解消费者对新产品的需求和偏好。”
两国领导人展开画卷的目的是什么？
Read this passage:
在一次国际会议上，两国领导人共同展开了一幅象征友谊的画卷。画卷上描绘着两国标志性的风景和文化元素，寓意着两国人民世代友好，共同发展。这一举动受到了在场所有人的热烈掌声，也成为了会议的一大亮点。
两国领导人展开画卷的目的是什么？
文章提到“画卷上描绘着两国标志性的风景和文化元素，寓意着两国人民世代友好，共同发展。”
文章提到“画卷上描绘着两国标志性的风景和文化元素，寓意着两国人民世代友好，共同发展。”
The correct order forms a sentence meaning 'The government launched a new plan to promote economic development.'
The correct order forms a sentence meaning 'He carefully unfolded the map on the table.'
The correct order forms a sentence meaning 'The company is carrying out business in the global market, facing new challenges.'
/ 60 correct
Perfect score!
Unfolding Plans
Think of 展开 as physically unfolding something, like a map or a scroll. This helps grasp its meaning of starting or initiating something, like unfolding a new project.
Carrying Out Actions
It's often used when an action or activity is being carried out or developed. For example, 展开工作 (zhǎnkāi gōngzuò) means to carry out work.
Launching Campaigns
When you launch a campaign or an event, 展开 is the right word. 展开活动 (zhǎnkāi huódòng) means to launch an activity.
Visualizing Expansion
Visualize something expanding or spreading out. This can be a discussion unfolding or a market expanding.
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Mehr business Wörter
本事
A2Skill; ability; capability.
相应地
B1Correspondingly.
账号
A2account (e.g., bank, online)
客户经理
A2account manager
账户
B1A record of financial transactions for an individual or business, usually at a bank; or a user profile for a digital service.
会计
A2accounting, accountant
收购
B1To purchase; to acquire (a company).
商业活动
A2Business activity.
广告费
A2Advertising expenses.
调整
B1To change something slightly in order to make it more correct, effective, or suitable.
