When you want to say "to open the door" in Chinese, the most common and direct way is to use 开门 (kāimén). It's a verb phrase, where 开 (kāi) means "to open" and 门 (mén) means "door."
This phrase can be used for literally opening a physical door. For example, you can say 请开门 (qǐng kāimén) when you're asking someone to open the door, or 他开门了 (tā kāimén le) to say "he opened the door."
When you are learning Chinese, you might come across the verb '开门' (kāimén). This literally means 'to open the door.' It's a very common and practical phrase to know.
You can use it in everyday situations, like when you're asking someone to open a door for you, or when you're talking about a store opening its doors for business. Understanding '开门' is a good step in building your basic Chinese vocabulary.
When we use the verb 开门 (kāi mén), we are talking about literally opening a door. This could be the door to a room, a building, or even a car. It's a straightforward action verb.
You might use it if you're asking someone to open a door for you, or if you're talking about a store opening for business. It's a very common and practical phrase to know.
When we talk about the verb "开门" (kāimén), meaning "to open the door," it's more straightforward than you might think at first. It literally means to open a physical door, like when you go home and unlock your front door. You can also use it in a slightly broader sense, like a shop opening for business at the start of the day. It's a very common and practical verb you'll hear and use often in daily conversations, so mastering it early on is definitely a good idea. Don't overthink it; just remember it's about making something accessible by opening it up.
§ What does 开门 mean?
The Chinese word 开门 (kāimén) is a verb that directly translates to "to open the door." It's one of those essential phrases you'll encounter early and often in your Chinese learning journey. Think about how many times a day you or someone around you might open a door! Because of its practicality, mastering this word will quickly boost your conversational ability.
- DEFINITION
- To open the door. This can be a literal door, like on a house or car, or a more figurative "door" to a business or opportunity.
§ When do people use 开门?
You'll use 开门 in a variety of everyday situations. It's not just about physical doors. Let's look at the main ways it's used:
- Literally opening a physical door: This is the most common and straightforward use. You might ask someone to open a door, or you might say that you are opening a door.
- A business opening for the day: When a shop, restaurant, or any business starts its operations for the day, they "open their doors." This is a very common usage in daily life.
- Figuratively opening a path or opportunity: Less common for beginners, but good to know for later. Sometimes, 开门 can refer to creating an opportunity or making something accessible.
Here are some practical examples to show you how it works in sentences:
请你开门。
Qǐng nǐ kāimén. (Please you open the door.)
商店几点开门？
Shāngdiàn jǐ diǎn kāimén? (Store what time opens the door? -> What time does the shop open?)
我来帮你开门。
Wǒ lái bāng nǐ kāimén. (I come help you open the door. -> Let me help you open the door.)
The character 开 (kāi) means "to open," and 门 (mén) means "door." When combined, they form a clear and direct verb. This pattern of combining characters to create new meanings is very common in Chinese, so paying attention to the individual characters can often give you a clue about the meaning of the combined word.
§ Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
For English speakers, a common mistake might be overthinking it. 开门 is quite straightforward. However, remember that Chinese word order can sometimes feel a bit different. You place the action (开门) directly after the subject or in response to a request.
Also, don't confuse it with other "opening" verbs. While 开 is generally "to open," it's specifically for things like doors, windows, and even turning on lights or machines. For example, you wouldn't use 开门 to talk about opening a book (that would be 打开书 - dǎkāi shū). Stick to doors for 开门 to avoid confusion.
In summary, 开门 is a foundational verb for anyone learning Chinese. It means "to open the door" in both a literal and a business context. You'll hear it and use it frequently, so get comfortable with it!
You've learned that 开门 (kāi mén) means 'to open the door.' That's a great start! But Chinese words often have more uses than a simple definition suggests. Let's look at how 开门 is used in different situations you might encounter every day.
§ 开门 at Work
In a work setting, 开门 is frequently used when talking about businesses opening for the day or specific departments becoming accessible. It’s not just about a physical door.
- Business Hours
- When a store, restaurant, or office starts its operations for the day, you'll hear 开门.
这家商店早上九点开门。
Translation hint: This shop opens at 9 AM.
请问，银行几点开门？
Translation hint: Excuse me, what time does the bank open?
§ 开门 at School
While schools don't typically 'open' in the same way a shop does, you might hear 开门 in a few contexts related to school life.
- Specific Rooms: A classroom, library, or lab might have specific 'opening' hours.
- School Gates: Sometimes, especially for younger students, parents might ask when the school gates open.
图书馆早上八点半开门。
Translation hint: The library opens at 8:30 AM.
学校大门什么时候开门？
Translation hint: When do the school gates open?
§ 开门 in the News
News reports often use 开门 when discussing the commencement of events, services, or even the opening of new facilities. It gives a sense of something becoming available or starting.
- New Establishments
- When a new building, park, or public service begins operating, you might see or hear 开门.
- Events
- The start of a festival, exhibition, or even a market can be described with 开门.
新的博物馆今天正式开门迎客。
Translation hint: The new museum officially opens to visitors today.
这个周末，夜市会提早开门。
Translation hint: This weekend, the night market will open earlier.
As you can see, 开门 is a versatile word. It's not just about pushing a physical door. Listen for it in different situations, and you'll quickly pick up on its various nuances. Keep practicing!
§ Don't confuse '开门' with opening a box or a book.
Many beginners make the mistake of using '开门' for any kind of opening. Remember, '开门' specifically means 'to open a door'. For other things, you'll need different verbs.
- Wrong usage example:
- 他开门了那本书。(Tā kāimén le nà běn shū.)
他打开了那本书。(Tā dǎkāi le nà běn shū.)
Here, '打开' (dǎkāi) is the correct verb for 'to open' something like a book, a box, or a package. '开门' is only for doors.
§ Using '开门' when you mean 'open for business'.
While '开门' literally means 'to open the door', in a business context, it can imply 'open for business'. However, there's a more specific and common way to say a store is open for business, especially when talking about regular operating hours.
- Acceptable, but less common for 'open for business':
- 商店十点开门。(Shāngdiàn shí diǎn kāimén.) - The store opens its doors at 10.
This isn't wrong, but for talking about business hours, '营业' (yíngyè) is more standard.
商店十点营业。(Shāngdiàn shí diǎn yíngyè.)
This explicitly states the store is 'open for business'.
§ Forgetting the object (door).
'开门' is a verb-object compound, where '开' is the verb 'to open' and '门' is the object 'door'. Because '门' is already part of the word, you don't usually add another '门' after it.
- Wrong usage example:
- 请开门门。(Qǐng kāimén mén.)
This is redundant. '开门' already includes 'door'.
请开门。(Qǐng kāimén.)
If you need to specify *which* door, you would rephrase it, often using '把' (bǎ) structure or simply placing the noun before '门' if it's a specific type of door.
请把这扇门打开。(Qǐng bǎ zhè shàn mén dǎkāi.) - Please open this door.
请开后门。(Qǐng kāi hòumén.) - Please open the back door.
§ Using '开门' for metaphorical 'opening'.
Sometimes in English, we say things like 'open a discussion' or 'open a channel'. In Chinese, '开门' is very literal and is rarely used for such abstract concepts.
- Wrong usage example:
- 我们开门一个讨论。(Wǒmen kāimén yī gè tǎolùn.)
This doesn't make sense in Chinese. You'd use a different verb depending on the context.
我们开始讨论。(Wǒmen kāishǐ tǎolùn.) - We started a discussion.
我们建立了一个新的沟通渠道。(Wǒmen jiànlì le yī gè xīn de gōutōng qúdào.) - We established a new communication channel.
How Formal Is It?
"请允许我为您启门。 (Qǐng yǔnxǔ wǒ wèi nín qǐ mén.) - Please allow me to open the door for you."
"请你开门。 (Qǐng nǐ kāi mén.) - Please open the door."
"你把门打开一下。 (Nǐ bǎ mén dǎ kāi yī xià.) - Could you open the door for a bit?"
"宝宝，我们开门门好不好？ (Bǎobǎo, wǒmen kāi mén mén hǎo bù hǎo?) - Baby, shall we open the door?"
"快点劈门，我等不及了！ (Kuài diǎn pī mén, wǒ děng bù jí le!) - Hurry up and open the door, I can't wait!"
Fun Fact
The character '开' (kāi) originally depicted hands pushing open a gate. '门' (mén) is a pictograph of a double-leaf door.
Difficulty Rating
short and common characters
simple characters, easy to write
straightforward pronunciation
clear and distinct syllables
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Can be used literally to mean 'to open a physical door'.
请开门。 (Please open the door.)
Can be used figuratively to mean 'to start business for the day' or 'to open a store/business'.
商店九点开门。 (The store opens at 9 o'clock.)
Often used in polite requests with '请' (qǐng - please).
你能帮我开门吗？ (Can you help me open the door?)
Can be combined with directional complements like '开开' to emphasize the result of opening.
他把门开开了。 (He opened the door [and it is now open].)
When used for business, it implies the start of daily operations, not necessarily a grand opening ceremony.
我们今天开门很早。 (We opened for business very early today.)
Examples by Level
请你开门。
Please open the door.
他开门出去了。
He opened the door and went out.
我忘了开门。
I forgot to open the door.
银行九点开门。
The bank opens at 9 o'clock.
商店每天都开门。
The store opens every day.
她轻轻地开门。
She gently opened the door.
饭馆几点开门？
What time does the restaurant open?
我们明天不开门。
We don't open tomorrow.
我每天早上七点开门营业。
I open for business at 7 AM every day.
请你帮我开一下门，我手上拿着东西。
Please open the door for me, my hands are full.
这个商店下午两点才开门。
This shop doesn't open until 2 PM.
一阵风吹过，门自己就开门了。
A gust of wind blew, and the door opened by itself.
他急匆匆地开门进来，脸上带着焦虑。
He rushed in, opening the door with an anxious look on his face.
我们计划在下个月初开门，欢迎大家光临。
We plan to open our doors early next month and welcome everyone.
这家餐厅二十四小时开门，任何时候都可以去吃。
This restaurant is open 24 hours, you can go eat anytime.
我忘了带钥匙，所以我不能开门。
I forgot my keys, so I can't open the door.
我需要你帮我开门，我的手提着很多东西。
I need you to help me open the door, my hands are full of things.
开门！警察！我们有搜查令！
Open up! Police! We have a search warrant!
这家店每天早上八点开门。
This store opens at 8 AM every morning.
他成功地为自己的梦想开辟了一条道路，开门做生意了。
He successfully paved a way for his dream and opened a business.
Here '开门做生意' means 'to open a business'.
你先开门见山地说出你的观点吧，不要拐弯抹角。
You should get straight to the point and state your view, don't beat around the bush.
Here '开门见山' is an idiom meaning 'to get straight to the point'.
会议一开始，主席就开门而入，直接提出了今天的议题。
At the beginning of the meeting, the chairman got straight to the point and directly brought up today's topic.
Here '开门而入' is a less common idiom, similar to '开门见山', meaning 'to get straight to the point'.
这个项目为我们未来的发展开门，带来了很多新的机遇。
This project opened the door for our future development, bringing many new opportunities.
Here '开门' is used metaphorically to mean 'to open up opportunities'.
为了给客人留下好印象，我们总是热情地开门欢迎他们。
To leave a good impression on guests, we always warmly open the door to welcome them.
我需要你帮我开门，我的手提着很多东西。
I need you to help me open the door, my hands are carrying a lot of things.
The verb '开门' is used here in its literal sense, referring to physically opening a door.
这家商店每天早上九点开门。
This shop opens at 9 AM every morning.
'开门' can also mean 'to open for business' or 'to start operating', often used for shops, restaurants, or other establishments.
请问您明天有时间给我的新公司开门红吗？
May I ask if you have time tomorrow to give my new company a good start/opening?
'开门红' is an idiom meaning 'a good start' or 'a successful beginning', often used in business contexts. '开门' here functions as part of this idiom.
他终于向我开门，允许我进入他的内心世界。
He finally opened up to me, allowing me to enter his inner world.
Here, '开门' is used metaphorically to mean 'to open up' or 'to be receptive' to someone, often in terms of emotions or personal thoughts.
政府通过新政策为外国投资者开门。
The government opened the door for foreign investors through new policies.
This is another metaphorical use of '开门', meaning 'to create opportunities' or 'to allow access' for something or someone.
他的一番话真是给我开门见山，让我明白了事情的真相。
His words were really to the point/frank, making me understand the truth of the matter.
'开门见山' is an idiom meaning 'to get straight to the point' or 'to speak frankly'. '开门' is part of this idiom.
这项技术为解决能源危机开辟了新的大门。
This technology opened up a new door for solving the energy crisis.
'开辟大门' (or '开门') can mean 'to open up new possibilities' or 'to create new avenues' for something.
在艰难的谈判后，双方终于为和平对话开门。
After difficult negotiations, both sides finally opened the door for peaceful dialogue.
Similar to previous examples, this is a metaphorical use of '开门' meaning 'to create an opportunity' or 'to allow for' a particular action or event.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
请开门。 (Qǐng kāimén.)
Please open the door.
他没有开门。 (Tā méiyǒu kāimén.)
He didn't open the door.
我忘了开门。 (Wǒ wàngle kāimén.)
I forgot to open the door.
谁来开门？ (Shéi lái kāimén?)
Who will open the door?
门开了。 (Mén kāile.)
The door is open.
帮我开门。 (Bāng wǒ kāimén.)
Help me open the door.
你可以开门吗？ (Nǐ kěyǐ kāimén ma?)
Can you open the door?
开门吧！ (Kāimén ba!)
Open the door!
他正在开门。 (Tā zhèngzài kāimén.)
He is opening the door.
商店几点开门？ (Shāngdiàn jǐ diǎn kāimén?)
What time does the store open?
Grammar Patterns
Easily Confused
Both 开门 and 打开 involve 'opening'. However, their usage contexts and the types of objects they can operate on differ. Learners often mix them up because 'open' is a single word in English.
开门 (kāimén) specifically means 'to open a door', and can also be used figuratively for 'to start a business'. It is a verb-object compound where 门 (mén) means door. 打开 (dǎkāi) is a more general verb meaning 'to open' or 'to turn on' and can be applied to a wider range of objects like books, boxes, or lights. It literally means 'to strike open'.
请打开书。 (Qǐng dǎkāi shū.) - Please open the book. / 他打开了灯。 (Tā dǎkāi le dēng.) - He turned on the light.
开 (kāi) is a component of 开门 and can mean 'to start' or 'to begin' in some contexts. Learners might associate the 'opening' of a door with the 'beginning' of an event.
开门 (kāimén) is literally about opening a physical door or figuratively starting a business. 开始 (kāishǐ) means 'to start' or 'to begin' an event, an action, or a process. It focuses on the commencement of something rather than the physical act of opening.
我们明天开始学习。 (Wǒmen míngtiān kāishǐ xuéxí.) - We start studying tomorrow. / 电影什么时候开始？ (Diànyǐng shénme shíhou kāishǐ?) - When does the movie start?
开放 (kāifàng) also contains 开 (kāi) and can mean 'to open' in the sense of being accessible or open-minded, which can be confused with the physical act of opening a door.
开门 (kāimén) is for physically opening a door or starting a business. 开放 (kāifàng) means 'to be open to the public', 'to be open-minded', or 'to liberalize'. It's about accessibility or a state of being, not the action of opening a physical object.
这个公园每天都开放。 (Zhège gōngyuán měitiān dōu kāifàng.) - This park is open every day. / 中国的经济越来越开放。 (Zhōngguó de jīngjì yuè lái yuè kāifàng.) - China's economy is becoming more and more open.
开门 (kāimén) can mean 'to start a business' or 'to open for business', which overlaps with the meaning of 营业 (yíngyè).
When 开门 (kāimén) refers to business, it specifically means 'to open the doors for business' (i.e., the start of the business day). 营业 (yíngyè) means 'to operate a business' or 'to be open for business' for the entire duration of its operation, not just the opening act. It's a more general term for business activity.
这家商店每天营业到晚上九点。 (Zhè jiā shāngdiàn měitiān yíngyè dào wǎnshang jiǔ diǎn.) - This store is open for business until 9 PM every day. / 我们公司开始营业了。 (Wǒmen gōngsī kāishǐ yíngyè le.) - Our company has started its business operations.
启动 (qǐdòng) means 'to start up' or 'to activate', especially for machines or systems. The concept of 'starting' can be confusingly linked to 'opening' something.
开门 (kāimén) is for opening doors or starting businesses. 启动 (qǐdòng) is specifically used for starting engines, computers, programs, or large-scale projects. It implies initiating a function or process rather than a physical opening.
请启动发动机。 (Qǐng qǐdòng fādòngjī.) - Please start the engine. / 项目正式启动了。 (Xiàngmù zhèngshì qǐdòng le.) - The project has officially launched (started).
Sentence Patterns
Subj. + 开门。
他开门。 (He opens the door.)
请 + 开门。
请开门。 (Please open the door.)
不要 + 开门。
不要开门。 (Don't open the door.)
Subj. + Verb Phrase + 开门。
我来开门。 (I'll open the door.)
开门 + 了。
门开了。 (The door is open / The door opened.)
Subj. + 把 + Obj. + 开门。
他把门开。 (He opens the door.)
开门 + 吗?
开门吗？ (Is the door open? / Are you opening the door?)
Subj. + 没 + 开门。
他没开门。 (He didn't open the door.)
Word Family
Nouns
How to Use It
开门 (kāimén) literally means 'to open the door.' It's a straightforward verb phrase. You can use it when you want someone to open a physical door, or when talking about a store opening for business.
Examples:
请你开门。 (Qǐng nǐ kāimén.) - Please open the door.
商店几点开门？ (Shāngdiàn jǐ diǎn kāimén?) - What time does the store open?
A common mistake is trying to use a separate word for 'door' after 开门 when you don't need to. 开门 already includes the idea of 'door.'
Incorrect: 我要开门门。 (Wǒ yào kāimén mén.)
Correct: 我要开门。 (Wǒ yào kāimén.) - I want to open the door.
Also, remember that 开门 is specifically for opening a door. Don't use it for opening other things like a book (开书 - kāishū) or a box (开箱 - kāixiāng).
Tips
Basic Meaning
开门 (kāi mén) literally means to open a door. It's a very common and practical phrase.
Building Sentences
You can use it directly: 请开门 (Qǐng kāi mén) - Please open the door.
Opposite Meaning
The opposite of 开门 is 关门 (guān mén), which means to close the door. Learn them together!
Figurative Use
开门 can also mean to start a business for the day, like a shop opening. For example, 商店开门了 (Shāngdiàn kāi mén le) - The shop is open.
Question Form
To ask if someone opened the door, you can say: 你开门了吗？ (Nǐ kāi mén le ma?) - Did you open the door?
Adding a Direction
You can add a direction particle like 开开门 (kāi kāi mén) to emphasize the action of opening it fully.
Imperative Use
When telling someone to open the door, a simple 开门！ (Kāi mén!) works, but 请开门 is more polite.
Using with Objects
You can specify what door: 开窗户 (kāi chuānghu) - to open the window. 开 is the verb, 门 is the object.
Common Request
If someone knocks, you might hear 请开门 or 谁啊？开门！ (Shuí a? Kāi mén!) - Who is it? Open the door!
Practice Pronunciation
Pay attention to the tones: kāi (first tone) and mén (second tone). Practice saying it aloud: 开门.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine '开门' (kāimén) sounding like 'tie men'. Picture someone struggling to *tie* a heavy iron *men*tal door shut, but then it *opens*! So, 'kāimén' means 'to open the door.'
Visual Association
Picture a bright red door with a golden handle. As you say '开门' (kāimén), visualize yourself turning the handle and pushing the door wide open, revealing a sunny, inviting scene. Focus on the action of opening.
Word Web
Challenge
You are at a friend's house. You knock, and they shout, '请_______!' (qǐng _______!). What word are they asking you to say or do to enter? (Hint: Think about what you do to get in after knocking.)
Word Origin
Composed of two characters: '开' (kāi) meaning 'to open' and '门' (mén) meaning 'door'.
Original meaning: The combination directly means 'open door'.
Sino-Tibetan, Sinitic branch.Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, '开门' can extend beyond the literal act of opening a door. It can symbolize starting a business ('开门大吉' - 'good luck opening a business'), welcoming opportunities, or even marking the beginning of a day's work. The phrase carries a sense of new beginnings and fresh starts.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Asking someone to open a physical door.
- 请开门。(Qǐng kāimén.) - Please open the door.
- 你能开门吗？(Nǐ néng kāimén ma?) - Can you open the door?
- 谁来开门？(Shuí lái kāimén?) - Who will open the door?
Someone is knocking at the door.
- 有人敲门，快开门！(Yǒurén qiāomén, kuài kāimén!) - Someone's knocking, open the door quickly!
- 听到敲门声了吗？去开门。(Tīng dào qiāomén shēng le ma? Qù kāimén.) - Did you hear the knock? Go open the door.
Referring to a store or business opening for the day.
- 商店几点开门？(Shāngdiàn jǐ diǎn kāimén?) - What time does the store open?
- 我们早上九点开门。(Wǒmen zǎoshang jiǔ diǎn kāimén.) - We open at 9 AM.
- 今天银行开门吗？(Jīntiān yínháng kāimén ma?) - Is the bank open today?
Talking about an event or activity starting.
- 派对几点开门？(Pàiduì jǐ diǎn kāimén?) - What time does the party start (doors open)?
- 音乐会七点半开门。(Yīnyuèhuì qī diǎn bàn kāimén.) - The concert doors open at 7:30.
Figurative use, such as opening a new chapter or opportunity (though less common for A1).
- 学习中文为我开了一扇新的门。(Xuéxí Zhōngwén wèi wǒ kāile yī shàn xīn de mén.) - Learning Chinese opened a new door for me.
- 这个机会为他开了一扇成功的门。(Zhège jīhuì wèi tā kāile yī shàn chénggōng de mén.) - This opportunity opened a door to success for him.
Conversation Starters
"你家通常几点开门？(Nǐ jiā tōngcháng jǐ diǎn kāimén?) - What time do people usually open the door at your home?"
"你喜欢早点开门营业的商店吗？为什么？(Nǐ xǐhuān zǎodiǎn kāimén yíngyè de shāngdiàn ma? Wèishénme?) - Do you like shops that open early? Why?"
"如果有人敲门，你会立刻开门吗？(Rúguǒ yǒurén qiāomén, nǐ huì lìkè kāimén ma?) - If someone knocks, do you open the door immediately?"
"你觉得开门是一个简单的动作吗？(Nǐ juédé kāimén shì yīgè jiǎndān de dòngzuò ma?) - Do you think opening a door is a simple action?"
"你最近一次开门是为了什么？(Nǐ zuìjìn yī cì kāimén shì wèile shénme?) - What was the last thing you opened a door for?"
Journal Prompts
描述你每天早上开门的第一件事。(Miáoshù nǐ měitiān zǎoshang kāimén de dì yī jiàn shì.) - Describe the first thing you open a door for every morning.
写一篇短文，关于一个你希望它永远开门的特殊地方。(Xiě yī piān duǎnwén, guānyú yīgè nǐ xīwàng tā yǒngyuǎn kāimén de tèshū dìfāng.) - Write a short paragraph about a special place you wish would always be open.
想象一下，如果你能为某人开一扇机会之门，那会是什么门？(Xiǎngxiàng yīxià, rúguǒ nǐ néng wèi mǒurén kāi yī shàn jīhuì zhī mén, nà huì shì shénme mén?) - Imagine if you could open a door of opportunity for someone, what kind of door would it be?
回想一次你不得不开门或请求别人开门的经历。(Huíxiǎng yī cì nǐ bùdé bù kāimén huò qǐngqiú biérén kāimén de jīnglì.) - Recall an experience where you had to open a door or ask someone else to open it.
你认为在你的文化中，开门这个动作有什么特殊的意义吗？(Nǐ rènwéi zài nǐ de wénhuà zhōng, kāimén zhège dòngzuò yǒu shé me tèshū de yìyì ma?) - Do you think the act of opening a door has any special meaning in your culture?
Test Yourself 114 questions
Choose the correct character for 'kāi'.
开 (kāi) means 'to open'.
Which of these means 'door'?
门 (mén) means 'door'.
How do you say 'open the door' in Chinese?
开门 (kāimén) is the correct phrase for 'open the door'.
The phrase '开门' (kāimén) means 'to open the door'.
Yes, '开门' (kāimén) directly translates to 'open the door'.
In '开门', '开' means 'door'.
No, in '开门', '开' (kāi) means 'to open', and '门' (mén) means 'door'.
You can use '开门' when someone knocks on your door.
Yes, it's appropriate to say '开门' (open the door) in that situation.
Listen and understand: 'Please open the door.'
Listen and understand: 'She opened the door.'
Listen and understand: 'I cannot open the door.'
Read this aloud:
请开门。
Focus: qǐng kāi mén
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
开门，谢谢。
Focus: kāi mén, xièxie
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
你能开门吗？
Focus: nǐ néng kāi mén ma
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
You are at a friend's house. You want to ask them to open the door for you. Write a simple sentence in Chinese.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
请开门。 (Qǐng kāimén.)
Imagine you are talking about a store that opens very early. Write a simple sentence saying 'The store opens at seven o'clock.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
商店七点开门。 (Shāngdiàn qī diǎn kāimén.)
You are telling someone that you need to open the door. Write a simple sentence.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我要开门。 (Wǒ yào kāimén.)
What does '妈妈说' mean?
Read this passage:
妈妈说：'请你开门。' (Māmā shuō: 'Qǐng nǐ kāimén.')
What does '妈妈说' mean?
妈妈 (māmā) means 'mom', and 说 (shuō) means 'to say'.
妈妈 (māmā) means 'mom', and 说 (shuō) means 'to say'.
When does the restaurant open?
Read this passage:
饭店上午十点开门。 (Fàndiàn shàngwǔ shí diǎn kāimén.)
When does the restaurant open?
上午 (shàngwǔ) means 'morning' or 'AM', and 十点 (shí diǎn) means 'ten o'clock'.
上午 (shàngwǔ) means 'morning' or 'AM', and 十点 (shí diǎn) means 'ten o'clock'.
What did he do?
Read this passage:
他开门了。 (Tā kāimén le.)
What did he do?
开门 (kāimén) means 'to open the door', and 了 (le) indicates a completed action.
开门 (kāimén) means 'to open the door', and 了 (le) indicates a completed action.
Choose the correct translation for 'to open the door':
'开门' means 'to open the door'. '关门' means 'to close the door'. '出门' means 'to go out'. '进门' means 'to enter the door'.
Which sentence correctly uses '开门'?
'请开门' (Qǐng kāimén) means 'Please open the door.' The other options use different verbs.
The store is open. How would you say 'The store opens at nine o'clock'?
'商店九点开门' (Shāngdiàn jiǔdiǎn kāimén) means 'The store opens at nine o'clock.'
'开门' can be used to say a shop is open.
Yes, '开门' (kāimén) can mean 'to open (a business)' or 'to be open'.
If someone says '请开门', they want you to close the door.
'请开门' (Qǐng kāimén) means 'Please open the door'. '请关门' (Qǐng guānmén) means 'Please close the door'.
You can use '开门' to describe opening a window.
While '开' can be used for opening, '开门' specifically refers to opening a door. For a window, you would say '开窗' (kāichuāng).
You are at a friend's house. You knock, and they tell you to 'open the door' yourself. Write out what they said.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
你可以自己开门。
Your hands are full. Ask someone to 'open the door' for you.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
请你帮我开门。
You see your dad struggling with groceries. Offer to 'open the door' for him.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
爸爸，我帮你开门。
妈妈让小明做什么？
Read this passage:
妈妈：小明，外面有人吗？ 小明：是的，妈妈。 妈妈：你去开门。
妈妈让小明做什么？
妈妈对小明说 '你去开门'。
妈妈对小明说 '你去开门'。
他想做什么？
Read this passage:
门是关着的。他想进去，所以他需要开门。
他想做什么？
句子说 '他需要开门'。
句子说 '他需要开门'。
图书馆怎么样？
Read this passage:
我们去图书馆的时候，图书馆还没开门。
图书馆怎么样？
句子说 '图书馆还没开门'。
句子说 '图书馆还没开门'。
This sentence asks someone to please open the door for a moment. '请' (qǐng) means 'please', '开门' (kāimén) means 'to open the door', and '一下' (yíxià) indicates a brief action.
This sentence means 'He is opening the door.' '他' (tā) means 'he', '正在' (zhèngzài) indicates an action in progress, and '开门' (kāimén) means 'to open the door'.
This sentence asks 'Who came to open the door?' '谁' (shéi) means 'who', '来' (lái) means 'to come', and '开门' (kāimén) means 'to open the door'. '了' (le) indicates a completed action.
请你___一下门，外面有人。
The context '外面有人' (there's someone outside) suggests the action of opening the door. '开门' means 'to open the door'.
早上，妈妈叫我___厨房的窗户，让空气流通。
To '让空气流通' (let the air circulate) implies opening something. '打开' is 'to open' and fits the context.
对不起，我来晚了，门已经___了。
If someone is late, it's likely the door is closed. '关' means 'to close'.
他轻轻地___了门，生怕吵醒了孩子。
'生怕吵醒了孩子' (afraid of waking the child) suggests a quiet action of closing the door. '关上' means 'to close'.
你能不能帮我___一下衣柜门？我够不着。
If someone '够不着' (can't reach), they need help to open the closet door. '开' is 'to open'.
风太大了，把窗户___了。
Strong wind can cause a window to open. '吹开' means 'to blow open'.
Choose the correct sentence: The shop opens at 9 AM.
开门 (kāimén) means 'to open the door' or 'to open for business'.
Which sentence means: 'Please open the door for me.'?
请 (qǐng) means 'please', 你 (nǐ) means 'you', and 开门 (kāimén) means 'to open the door'.
How would you ask: 'Who opened the door?'
谁 (shéi) means 'who', 开门 (kāimén) means 'to open the door', and 了 (le) indicates a past action.
You can say '商店开门' to mean 'the shop is open'.
开门 (kāimén) can refer to a shop opening for business.
If you want someone to open the door, you should say '请你关门'.
关门 (guānmén) means 'to close the door'. To ask someone to open the door, you would say '请你开门' (qǐng nǐ kāimén).
'开门' can only be used for literal doors and not for businesses.
开门 (kāimén) can be used for both literal doors and for businesses opening for the day.
Someone is asking for help to open the door.
The doorbell rang, and someone is asked to open the door.
He opens his business every morning.
Read this aloud:
请问您什么时候开门？
Focus: 开门 (kāi mén)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
我帮您开门。
Focus: 开门 (kāi mén)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
这家店每天早上九点开门。
Focus: 开门 (kāi mén)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This is a polite way to ask someone to open the door. '请' (qǐng) means 'please', '你' (nǐ) means 'you', and '开门' (kāimén) means 'open the door'.
This sentence indicates that 'he will open the door soon'. '他' (tā) means 'he', '很快' (hěn kuài) means 'soon', and '就' (jiù) '会' (huì) together indicate an upcoming action.
This means 'I heard a knock on the door and went to open it'. '我' (wǒ) means 'I', '听见了' (tīngjiàn le) means 'heard', '敲门声' (qiāoménshēng) means 'knock on the door', and '去' (qù) means 'go'.
Choose the most appropriate response: 你的房间门是锁着的，你需要怎么做？
If your door is locked, you need to open it to get in.
Which of the following situations would typically require someone to '开门'?
When a guest arrives, you open the door to let them in.
一个商店在早上开始营业时，通常会做什么？
Stores 'open their doors' when they start business for the day.
如果外面下雨了，你需要开门才能避免雨水进入房间。
If it's raining, you would close the door to prevent rain from entering, not open it.
在电影院，电影开始前工作人员会开门让观众入场。
Before a movie starts, staff open the doors to allow the audience to enter.
如果你想让房间通风，你应该关门。
To ventilate a room, you would open the door, not close it.
Someone is asking for help to open a door.
Someone heard the doorbell and is telling another person to answer the door.
Someone forgot their keys and is asking if the door can be opened from the inside.
Read this aloud:
你可以开门吗？
Focus: 开门 (kāi mén)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
请帮我开一下门。
Focus: 帮我 (bāng wǒ)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
我正在开门。
Focus: 正在 (zhèng zài)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
她总是对机会敞___，从不错过任何可能。
“敞开门”在这里是一个比喻，意为“对机会持开放态度”。
在商业谈判中，保持沟通渠道的畅通是___的关键。
“开门”引申为保持沟通和开放的态度。
面对挑战，我们不应退缩，而是要勇敢地___迎接。
“开门迎接”是积极面对挑战的表达。
尽管遭遇挫折，他仍坚持不懈，为成功___了一条新的道路。
“开门”引申为开创、开启新的局面或道路。
为了促进文化交流，这座城市向世界___了它的怀抱。
“开门”在此表示开放、接纳。
领导者应该有容人之量，懂得给年轻人___施展才华的机会。
“开门”在此意为提供机会、创造条件。
Choose the most appropriate synonym for “开门” in the context of starting a new business.
While '开门' literally means 'to open the door', in a business context, '开始营业' (to start business) is the most idiomatic and precise equivalent. '启动项目' means 'to launch a project', '敞开大门' means 'to open wide the door' (often metaphorically for welcoming), and '着手进行' means 'to set about doing something'.
Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the metaphorical use of “开门”?
The phrase '开了一扇方便之门' (opened a door of convenience) uses '开门' metaphorically to mean creating an opportunity or making something easier. The other options refer to the literal action or time of opening a physical door.
When someone says '开门见山' (kāimén jiànshān), what do they mean?
'开门见山' is an idiom meaning 'to open the door and see the mountain', which metaphorically means to get straight to the point without beating around the bush.
The phrase '开门红' (kāimén hóng) signifies a successful start, often in business.
'开门红' literally means 'opening door red', where red is associated with good fortune and success in Chinese culture. Thus, it idiomatically means a successful beginning or a good start.
In the sentence '他开门迎接了贵宾', '开门' solely refers to the physical act of opening a door.
While '开门' does involve the physical act of opening a door, in this context ('迎接了贵宾' - welcomed a distinguished guest), it also carries the nuance of hospitality and formal reception, making it more than just a simple physical action.
The expression '开门揖盗' (kāimén yīdào) suggests welcoming a thief into one's home, implying an action that invites trouble.
'开门揖盗' literally means 'to open the door and invite a thief'. It is an idiom used to describe an action that inadvertently or foolishly allows harm or trouble to enter one's situation.
Someone is asking for help to open a door.
The doorbell rang, asking someone to check who is at the door.
Information about a shop's opening and closing hours.
Read this aloud:
外面有人敲门，你去开门。
Focus: 敲门 (qiāo mén)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
我忘了带钥匙，你能帮我开一下门吗？
Focus: 忘了 (wàng le), 钥匙 (yào shi)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
这家超市已经开门了，我们可以去买东西了。
Focus: 超市 (chāo shì), 东西 (dōng xi)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Imagine you are running late for an important meeting and realize you've locked your keys inside your apartment. Describe the frustration and your immediate thoughts on how to '开门' (open the door) without the key.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我真是太倒霉了，竟然把钥匙锁在屋里了！眼看着会议就要迟到了，我急得团团转。现在唯一的办法就是看看有没有邻居在家，或许能帮我找个开锁的，或者我得赶紧给房东打电话求助。要不然，今天这扇门我是无论如何也“开”不了了。
You are a new employee tasked with setting up a grand opening ceremony for a new store. Write an email to your supervisor detailing your plans for the '开门' (opening) of the store, including a timeline and key activities.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
尊敬的经理，关于新店开业的准备工作，我已初步制定了详细计划。我们将于下月15日隆重“开门”，届时会举行剪彩仪式，并邀请重要客户和媒体到场。前期宣传方面，线上线下同步进行，确保开业当天能吸引大量顾客。具体时间安排和人员分工，我已整理成文件，稍后会向您汇报。
You are a motivational speaker. Write a short paragraph encouraging your audience to '开门' (open new doors/opportunities) in their lives, even when facing challenges. Use metaphors related to doors.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
朋友们，人生就好比一扇又一扇的门。有时，一扇门会紧闭，让你感到绝望；但请记住，每一扇关闭的门背后，往往都隐藏着新的契机。我们要做的是勇敢地去尝试“开门”，去探索未知，去迎接挑战。只有不断地“开门”，我们才能发现更广阔的世界，开启人生的无限可能。
根据这段话，商家在春节“开门”的深层含义是什么？
Read this passage:
在中国传统文化中，一些商家在春节期间会选择吉日“开门”，寓意着新的一年财源广进、生意兴隆。这个“开门”不仅仅是物理意义上的打开店门，更包含了对未来一年美好愿景的期盼和祝福。商家通常会举行一些简单的仪式，如燃放鞭炮、张贴春联，以示庆祝和祈福。
根据这段话，商家在春节“开门”的深层含义是什么？
文章明确指出“这个‘开门’不仅仅是物理意义上的打开店门，更包含了对未来一年美好愿景的期盼和祝福”。
文章明确指出“这个‘开门’不仅仅是物理意义上的打开店门，更包含了对未来一年美好愿景的期盼和祝福”。
“开门见山”在这里最接近哪种沟通方式？
Read this passage:
一次成功的商业谈判，往往需要双方都“开门见山”，直接表达各自的诉求和底线。如果一直拐弯抹角，不仅浪费时间，还可能导致误解，最终无法达成共识。因此，在重要的商务场合，学会直截了当地“开门”沟通，是高效合作的关键。
“开门见山”在这里最接近哪种沟通方式？
文章解释“开门见山”为“直接表达各自的诉求和底线”，并指出“学会直截了当地‘开门’沟通，是高效合作的关键”。
文章解释“开门见山”为“直接表达各自的诉求和底线”，并指出“学会直截了当地‘开门’沟通，是高效合作的关键”。
文章中“人工智能的‘开门’”指的是什么？
Read this passage:
随着科技的飞速发展，人工智能的“开门”正在引领我们进入一个全新的时代。它不仅改变了我们的生活方式，也深刻影响着各行各业。尽管人工智能带来了诸多便利，但我们也应警惕其潜在的风险，如伦理问题、就业冲击等，并积极探索应对之策，确保其健康发展。
文章中“人工智能的‘开门’”指的是什么？
文章将“人工智能的‘开门’”与“引领我们进入一个全新的时代”联系起来，表明其指的是重大突破和发展。
文章将“人工智能的‘开门’”与“引领我们进入一个全新的时代”联系起来，表明其指的是重大突破和发展。
This sentence means 'Please open the door for a moment.' It's a polite request.
This means 'He usually opens for business at 7 AM.' It describes a regular action.
This question asks 'When does the store open?' It uses '的' for emphasis on time.
Choose the most appropriate synonym for "开门" in the context of starting a new business.
While '启动', '开始', and '建立' can generally mean to start or establish, '开业' specifically refers to the opening of a business or store, which aligns perfectly with the nuance of '开门' in a business context.
Which of the following phrases uses "开门" metaphorically to describe a breakthrough or new opportunity?
'开门红' literally means 'opening door red,' which metaphorically refers to a successful start to a business or an event, symbolizing good fortune and a breakthrough. '开门见山' means to get straight to the point. '开门纳客' means to open the door to welcome guests. '开门揖盗' means to invite a thief into one's house, implying attracting trouble.
In a formal setting, if you want to politely request someone to open a door for you, which option is most appropriate?
'可以请您开门吗？' is the most polite and formal way to request someone to open a door, using '可以' (may I) and '您' (you, formal). '请你开门' is a direct request. '麻烦你开门' is a bit more polite than '请你开门' but still less formal. '劳驾开门' is also polite but might be less commonly used in general formal settings compared to '可以请您开门吗？'
The phrase "开门大吉" strictly refers to the literal act of opening a door for good luck.
"开门大吉" is an idiom that means a propitious beginning, specifically for a business or a new venture, implying good luck and success from the start. It is not about the literal act of opening a door, but rather the symbolic opening of a new chapter or enterprise.
When used in a metaphorical sense, "开门" can imply initiating access or creating an opportunity.
Metaphorically, '开门' can indeed refer to initiating access or creating an opportunity, such as '为…开门' (to open the door for...), signifying enabling something or making it possible.
The idiom "闭门羹" is directly related to the action of "开门."
'闭门羹' literally means 'closed-door soup' and refers to being refused entry or unwelcome, or metaphorically being given the cold shoulder. While it relates to a door being closed, it is not directly about the action of '开门' but rather the consequence of a door being shut to someone.
Describe a time you encountered an unexpected obstacle and how you 'opened the door' to a solution, using the metaphorical sense of 开门.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
在我的创业初期，市场对我们的新产品反应平平，这无疑是一个巨大的挑战。我们没有气馁，而是积极与用户沟通，了解他们的真实需求。通过不断的市场调研和产品迭代，我们最终找到了突破口，可以说我们为产品成功“开了一扇门”，将其推向了更广阔的市场。这个过程不仅提升了我们的产品，也为我们带来了意想不到的合作机遇。
Imagine you are a diplomat. Write a short speech about how international cooperation 'opens doors' for global peace and prosperity.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
尊敬的各位来宾，女士们，先生们：今天我们齐聚一堂，共同探讨国际合作的重要性。我认为，国际合作是通往全球和平与繁荣的必由之路。它不仅能够消除误解，增进互信，更能为解决全球性挑战“开门”——无论是气候变化、疫情防治，还是经济发展，都需要各国携手努力。只有通过开放的对话和真诚的合作，我们才能为子孙后代“开辟”一个更加美好的未来。
Discuss how education can 'open doors' to new opportunities and perspectives for individuals.
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Sample answer
教育无疑是为个人“开门”的关键钥匙。它不仅仅是知识的传授，更是思维方式的塑造和个人潜能的激发。通过教育，我们可以接触到更广阔的世界，拓展自己的视野，从而发现前所未有的机会。无论是职业发展还是个人成长，高质量的教育都能为我们“打开”通向成功的道路，使我们能够更好地适应社会变化，实现自我价值。
根据文章，企业在竞争中脱颖而出的关键因素之一是什么？
Read this passage:
在当今瞬息万变的全球经济格局中，创新被视为企业生存和发展的关键。许多企业都面临着如何在激烈的市场竞争中脱颖而出的挑战。一家成功的企业不仅需要持续的技术革新，更需要一种“开门”的心态，即对外开放、积极学习和合作。这种心态能够帮助企业突破固有的思维模式，发现新的商业模式和增长点，从而在市场中占据有利地位。
根据文章，企业在竞争中脱颖而出的关键因素之一是什么？
文章明确指出“更需要一种‘开门’的心态”，并解释了其重要性。
文章明确指出“更需要一种‘开门’的心态”，并解释了其重要性。
文章中“开门接纳不同的文化”强调了哪种态度？
Read this passage:
文化交流是增进不同文明之间理解和友谊的重要途径。然而，文化差异往往会造成误解，甚至引发冲突。为了促进和谐共处，我们必须学会“开门”接纳不同的文化，尊重各自的传统和习俗。只有通过开放的心态和真诚的对话，我们才能跨越文化鸿沟，构建一个多元而包容的世界。
文章中“开门接纳不同的文化”强调了哪种态度？
文章强调了“学会‘开门’接纳不同的文化，尊重各自的传统和习俗”，这体现了开放、尊重和包容的态度。
文章强调了“学会‘开门’接纳不同的文化，尊重各自的传统和习俗”，这体现了开放、尊重和包容的态度。
文章对人工智能的态度是怎样的？
Read this passage:
面对人工智能的飞速发展，有人担忧它会取代人类的工作，但也有人认为，人工智能将为人类社会“开门”，带来前所未有的发展机遇。关键在于如何引导人工智能与人类社会和谐共存，发挥其最大潜力，同时避免潜在的风险。这需要我们集思广益，共同探索人工智能的伦理规范和应用边界。
文章对人工智能的态度是怎样的？
文章提到“有人担忧它会取代人类的工作，但也有人认为，人工智能将为人类社会‘开门’，带来前所未有的发展机遇”，表明了两种不同的观点。
文章提到“有人担忧它会取代人类的工作，但也有人认为，人工智能将为人类社会‘开门’，带来前所未有的发展机遇”，表明了两种不同的观点。
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Basic Meaning
开门 (kāi mén) literally means to open a door. It's a very common and practical phrase.
Building Sentences
You can use it directly: 请开门 (Qǐng kāi mén) - Please open the door.
Opposite Meaning
The opposite of 开门 is 关门 (guān mén), which means to close the door. Learn them together!
Figurative Use
开门 can also mean to start a business for the day, like a shop opening. For example, 商店开门了 (Shāngdiàn kāi mén le) - The shop is open.
Example
请你帮我开门。
