At the A1 level, you can think of 公开的 (gōngkāi de) as a word that means 'not a secret.' It is like when you tell everyone something, it becomes 'public.' In Chinese, we use '公开' for things like a 'public secret' or a 'public place' where people talk. You might see this word in very simple sentences about sharing information. For example, if you have a photo that everyone can see, it is '公开的.' Just remember that '公开' means 'open' and '的' makes it describe a noun. It is a very useful word for talking about things that are not hidden. Think of it as the opposite of '秘密' (mìmì), which means secret. If you know 'secret,' you can learn 'public' easily. It is an important building block for your Chinese vocabulary because it helps you describe how information is shared between people. You will mostly hear it in basic contexts like 'public news' or 'public information.' Even at this early stage, try to notice the difference between this and '公共' (gōnggòng), which is for public things like buses or parks. '公开' is more about the 'openness' of information or actions. As an A1 learner, just focus on the idea of 'not secret' and you will be fine.
For A2 learners, 公开的 starts to appear in more common social and school contexts. You might use it to describe a 'public apology' (公开的道歉) or a 'public announcement' (公开的公告). At this level, you should start noticing that '公开' can be a verb (to make public) or an adjective (public). When you see '公开的,' it is always describing a noun. For instance, in a classroom, a teacher might give a 'public grade' or a 'public comment.' It is also common in the phrase '公开的秘密' (an open secret), which is a fun and easy way to use the word. You are moving beyond just 'not secret' to understanding that '公开的' implies that many people know or can see something. You should also be careful not to use it for 'public transport' (use 公共) or 'public schools' (use 公立). A2 is the stage where you refine your choices. If you want to say a letter is 'open for everyone to read,' use '公开的信.' This word helps you describe the social status of information in your daily life, making your Chinese sound more natural and precise.
At the B1 level, 公开的 is a key term for discussing social issues, business, and media. You are expected to use it to describe 'transparency' and 'disclosure.' For example, you might talk about '公开的财务报表' (public financial statements) or '公开的竞争' (open competition). This word is essential for expressing the idea that a process is fair and visible to everyone. In a professional setting, being '公开的' is often a positive attribute, suggesting honesty and accountability. You should also understand its use in the digital world, such as '公开的个人资料' (public profile). At this level, you can handle more complex sentence structures, like '这家公司发布了一份公开的声明以澄清误会' (The company issued a public statement to clarify the misunderstanding). You are now distinguishing between being 'open' (公开), being 'transparent' (透明), and being 'shared' (公共). B1 learners should practice using '公开的' in debates about privacy, where you might argue whether certain information should be '公开的' or '私人的' (private). This word allows you to participate in more sophisticated conversations about how information flows in society.
B2 learners should be comfortable using 公开的 in formal writing and nuanced debates. At this stage, the word is frequently associated with institutional transparency and legal disclosures. You will encounter terms like '公开招标' (public bidding) or '公开听证会' (public hearing). You should understand that '公开的' often carries a connotation of legitimacy—if something is done in a '公开的' manner, it follows established, visible rules. This is crucial for discussing politics, law, and corporate governance. You should also be able to use it in more abstract ways, such as describing an '公开的挑战' (an overt challenge) to authority. At B2, you should also be sensitive to the register. While '公开的' is standard, you might use '披露的' (disclosed) in a more formal legal or financial context. You should also be aware of the negative nuance of '公然' (brazenly) and how it contrasts with the more neutral '公开的.' For example, '他公开地表达了不满' (He expressed his dissatisfaction publicly - neutral) versus '他公然违反规定' (He brazenly violated the rules - negative). Mastery at this level means knowing exactly when '公开的' is the most appropriate choice to convey the right level of formality and intent.
At the C1 level, your understanding of 公开的 should include its philosophical and sociolinguistic implications. You can use the word to analyze the 'public sphere' (公共领域) and how '公开的' discourse shapes public opinion. You will encounter the term in academic texts or high-level editorials discussing '政务公开' (government transparency) or '司法公开' (judicial openness). At this level, you should be able to discuss the tension between '公开的' information and the right to privacy in the age of big data. You should also be able to use the word in sophisticated literary contexts, perhaps describing a character's '公开的动机' (overt motives) as opposed to their '隐秘的欲望' (hidden desires). Your usage should be flawless, including the ability to pair it with specific technical nouns in fields like law, economics, or sociology. You should also be familiar with related idioms and classical references that share the root '公' (public/fair), allowing you to draw deeper connections in your speech and writing. C1 learners use '公开的' not just as a descriptor, but as a conceptual tool to examine the boundaries of knowledge and social interaction.
For C2 learners, 公开的 is a word whose nuances are fully integrated into a native-like command of the language. You understand the historical evolution of the concept of 'publicness' in China, from the Confucian ideals of '大公无私' (selfless devotion to the public) to modern legal frameworks for '政府信息公开' (government information disclosure). You can use '公开的' in the most complex rhetorical structures, perhaps in a speech advocating for systemic transparency or in a legal brief arguing for the disclosure of evidence. You are also sensitive to the most subtle differences between '公开的,' '披露的,' '宣示的,' and '公认的.' You can navigate the most formal registers with ease, using the word in contexts like diplomatic communiqués or high-level policy papers. At this level, you might also explore the word's role in social criticism, analyzing how '公开的' narratives are constructed and contested in the media. Your mastery is such that you can use '公开的' and its variants to express highly nuanced positions on accountability, ethics, and the nature of truth in the public domain. The word is no longer just a vocabulary item; it is a fundamental part of your ability to engage with the most complex aspects of Chinese society and culture.

公开的 in 30 Seconds

  • 公开的 (gōngkāi de) means public or open, describing information or actions that are not secret and are accessible to everyone.
  • It is commonly used for public announcements, disclosed financial records, and open competitions to ensure transparency and fairness.
  • Avoid confusing it with 公共 (gōnggòng) for shared facilities or 公立 (gōnglì) for state-owned institutions like schools.
  • In modern contexts, it highlights the transition from private to public, especially regarding government transparency and digital privacy.

The Chinese term 公开的 (gōngkāi de) is a multifaceted adjective that serves as the bridge between private thoughts and the shared social reality. At its core, it describes something that is no longer hidden, restricted, or confidential, but has instead been brought into the light of the public eye. In the context of modern Chinese society, the concept of being 'open' or 'public' carries significant weight, often associated with transparency, accountability, and the transition from the 'private sphere' (私) to the 'public sphere' (公). When you describe something as 公开的, you are asserting that the information or event is accessible to everyone, without barriers to entry or veils of secrecy.

Semantic Range
The word encompasses meanings ranging from 'public' (as in a public announcement), 'overt' (as in an overt challenge), to 'disclosed' (as in disclosed financial records). It is used to contrast with terms like '秘密' (mìmì - secret) or '内部' (nèibù - internal/private).
Social Context
In professional settings, 公开的 is frequently used in the context of '公开的信' (an open letter) or '公开的竞争' (open competition). It signifies a level of fairness and adherence to rules that are visible to all stakeholders.

这是一场公开的审判,所有人都可以参加。(This is a public trial; everyone can participate.)

Example of '公开的' in a legal and social context.

Understanding the nuance of this word requires recognizing the cultural shift in China towards '政务公开' (government transparency). Historically, many administrative processes were opaque; however, the modern usage of 公开的 often reflects a demand for or a state of being transparent and 'above board.' It is not merely about location (like a public park, which would use '公共'), but about the status of information and the nature of the action. If you make a 公开的 apology, you are not just saying sorry; you are doing so in a way that the community can witness and validate your contrition.

他们的关系已经变成了公开的秘密。(Their relationship has become an open secret.)

Furthermore, 公开的 is used in economic terms, such as '公开的市场' (an open market), where it implies accessibility and the absence of monopolistic or hidden barriers. In the digital age, it describes data that is 'publicly available' (公开的数据), highlighting its role in the information economy. Whether it is a public performance (公开演出) or a public statement (公开声明), the word consistently emphasizes the removal of barriers between the actor and the audience.

Grammatical Note
The particle '的' (de) is essential here because '公开' can also function as a verb (to make public). By adding '的', we solidify its role as an adjective modifying a noun, describing the inherent state of that noun as being public or disclosed.

公司发布了一份公开的年度报告。(The company released a public annual report.)

Using 公开的 correctly involves understanding its placement as an attributive adjective. In Chinese, adjectives that modify nouns usually precede them, connected by the particle '的'. This structure allows you to describe a wide variety of nouns as having the quality of being 'public' or 'disclosed'. We will explore several patterns and contexts where this word is most effective.

Pattern 1: [公开的] + [Noun]
This is the most common usage. It directly attributes the quality of being public to the noun. For example, '公开的场合' (a public occasion) or '公开的身份' (a public identity). This pattern is used to define the nature of an event or an object as being accessible to everyone.

公开的场合,他总是表现得很专业。(In public occasions, he always behaves very professionally.)

When using 公开的, it is important to distinguish it from its verbal form. If you want to say 'He made the news public,' you would say '他公开了那个消息' (Tā gōngkāile nàge xiāoxi). Here, '公开' is the action. However, if you are describing the news itself as 'public news,' you use '公开的消息' (gōngkāi de xiāoxi). This distinction is vital for B1 learners moving towards more complex sentence structures.

Pattern 2: [Noun] + [是] + [公开的]
This structure is used to state that something is public as a fact. '这些信息是公开的' (This information is public). It functions as a predicate adjective, asserting the status of the subject. This is particularly useful in debates about privacy or legal transparency.

他的私人生活并不是公开的。(His private life is not public.)

In more formal writing, 公开的 can be paired with nouns like '招标' (bidding) or '选拔' (selection). For instance, '公开的招标过程' (a public bidding process) suggests a level of institutional integrity. It implies that the process is not 'behind closed doors' (幕后). Using this word in a business context conveys a sense of fairness and adherence to standard procedures.

政府需要提供更公开的政务服务。(The government needs to provide more transparent/public administrative services.)

Finally, consider the emotional or social weight of '公开的'. In romantic contexts, '公开的关系' (an open/public relationship) means the couple has acknowledged their status to friends and family, moving away from '地下情' (dixiaqing - secret affair). This usage highlights how '公开的' can describe the transition of a social fact from the private domain into the collective consciousness.

Pattern 3: [公开的] + [Abstract Noun]
When modifying abstract concepts like '秘密' (secret) or '挑战' (challenge), it emphasizes the paradox or the directness of the action. '公开的挑战' (an overt challenge) is much more confrontational than a hidden one.

这是一个公开的事实,大家都知道。(This is a public fact; everyone knows it.)

In your daily life in a Chinese-speaking environment, you will encounter 公开的 in a variety of high-frequency situations. From the evening news to corporate boardrooms, and even in casual gossip, this word is a staple for defining the boundaries of information. Let's look at the specific domains where this word is most prevalent.

News and Media
News anchors frequently use '公开的' when reporting on government policies or corporate disclosures. You might hear '公开的调查结果' (public investigation results) or '公开的谴责' (public condemnation). In these contexts, the word adds a layer of officiality and transparency to the report.

新闻报道了那家公司的公开的道歉信。(The news reported on that company's public letter of apology.)

In the business world, 公开的 is central to discussions about market operations and legal compliance. During a business meeting, a manager might ask if a certain document is '公开的' before sharing it with a client. It acts as a safety check for confidentiality. Terms like '公开的财务报表' (public financial statements) are essential for anyone working in finance or law in China.

Social media and the internet are perhaps the most modern arenas for this word. With the rise of 'influencer' culture, the line between private and public is blurred. You will hear people talk about their '公开的个人主页' (public personal homepage) versus their private accounts. Discussions about '公开的评论' (public comments) often revolve around online behavior and the consequences of what one says in the digital 'public square'.

他在网上发表了公开的声明,回应了网民的质疑。(He issued a public statement online, responding to netizens' questions.)

In education, '公开的课程' (open/public classes) refers to lectures that are open to the public or to other teachers for observation. This is a common practice in Chinese schools for professional development. If you are a student or a teacher, you will definitely hear this term in the context of '公开课' (gōngkāikè), which is a shortened version of the phrase.

Legal and Political Discourse
The phrase '公开的听证会' (public hearing) is used when the government or a legislative body invites the public to voice opinions on a new law or project. This is a key term in understanding modern Chinese civic participation.

这次城市规划将举行公开的讨论。(This urban planning will have a public discussion.)

Finally, in literature and film, 公开的 is often used to create dramatic irony—where something is 'public knowledge' to the characters in the story, but the consequences of that openness drive the plot. Whether it's a public betrayal or a public triumph, the word underscores the social stakes of the narrative.

For English speakers learning Chinese, the word 公开的 can be a bit of a 'false friend' because the English word 'public' covers a much wider range of meanings than its Chinese counterparts. Misusing this word can lead to confusion or unnatural-sounding sentences. Let's break down the most common pitfalls.

Mistake 1: Confusing '公开的' with '公共的' (gōnggòng de)
This is the most frequent error. '公共的' refers to things shared by the community or for general use, like '公共厕所' (public toilet) or '公共交通' (public transport). '公开的' refers to information or actions that are not secret. You would never say '公开的厕所' unless you meant a toilet that is somehow 'disclosed' or 'open to the public gaze' in a metaphorical sense, which would be very strange!

❌ 我们在公开的汽车上见。 (Wrong: We meet on the 'disclosed' bus.)
✅ 我们在公共汽车上见。 (Right: We meet on the public bus.)

Another common mistake is using 公开的 when you should use '公立' (gōnglì). '公立' specifically means 'publicly funded' or 'state-run,' usually referring to institutions like schools or hospitals. If you say '公开的学校,' it sounds like you are talking about a school that is 'openly known' rather than a state school. In most cases, you want '公立学校'.

Learners also struggle with the difference between the adjective 公开的 and the verb '公开'. In English, 'public' can be both, but in Chinese, the particle '的' is a strong indicator of an adjective. If you are describing a state, use '的'. If you are describing an action, omit it. For example, '他公开了秘密' (He made the secret public) vs. '这是一个公开的秘密' (This is a public secret).

❌ 政府公开的了文件。 (Wrong: The government 'disclosed-ly' the file.)
✅ 政府公开了文件。 (Right: The government disclosed the file.)

Finally, be careful with '公然' (gōngrán). While both involve being 'public', '公然' usually has a negative connotation, meaning 'brazenly' or 'flagrantly'. It's used for bad behaviors done in public, like '公然说谎' (brazenly lying). '公开的' is more neutral. If you describe someone's actions as '公开的', you are just stating they are not secret. If you use '公然', you are judging them.

Collocation Error
Avoid saying '公开的人' (a public person) to mean a celebrity. In Chinese, we say '公众人物' (gōngzhòng rénwù). '公开的人' doesn't really have a clear meaning and would likely confuse a native speaker.

❌ 他是一个公开的人。 (Wrong: He is a 'disclosed' person.)
✅ 他是一个公众人物。 (Right: He is a public figure.)

To truly master 公开的, you need to know its synonyms and how they differ in register and nuance. Chinese is a language rich in synonyms that vary based on the level of formality and the specific context of 'openness'. Below, we compare 公开的 with other related terms.

公开 (Gōngkāi) vs. 透明 (Tòumíng)

While 公开的 means 'public' or 'not secret', 透明的 (tòumíng de) means 'transparent'. The difference is subtle but important. '公开' is about the act of making something available to all, whereas '透明' is about the quality of being easy to see through and understand. A government might have '公开的政策' (public policies), but if the reasoning behind them is clear, they are '透明的' (transparent).

Example: 财务制度应该是透明的,而不仅仅是公开的。(Financial systems should be transparent, not just public.)

公开 (Gōngkāi) vs. 坦率 (Tǎnshuài)

坦率 (tǎnshuài) translates to 'frank' or 'candid'. It describes a person's character or a manner of speaking. While an '公开的谈话' (public conversation) refers to the setting, a '坦率的谈话' (frank conversation) refers to the honesty and directness of the content. You can have a frank conversation in private.

我们需要一次公开的讨论,但每个人也应该保持坦率。(We need a public discussion, but everyone should also remain frank.)

Another interesting comparison is with 显而易见 (xiǎn ér yì jiàn), which means 'obvious' or 'evident'. If something is 公开的, it is available for all to see. If it is 显而易见, it is so clear that it doesn't even need to be pointed out. '公开的' implies a status of disclosure, while '显而易见' implies a quality of visibility.

In formal documents, you might see 披露 (pīlù) as a verb for 'disclose'. The adjective form would be '披露的' (disclosed). This is much more formal than 公开的 and is almost exclusively used for legal, financial, or investigative disclosures. If you are writing a business report, '披露的信息' (disclosed information) sounds more professional than '公开的信息'.

Summary Table of Alternatives
  • 公共 (Gōnggòng): Communal/Shared (Public park).
  • 公立 (Gōnglì): State-run (Public school).
  • 透明 (Tòumíng): Transparent/Clear (Transparent process).
  • 披露 (Pīlù): Formally disclosed (Financial disclosure).
  • 公然 (Gōngrán): Brazenly/Openly (usually negative context).

虽然他的错误是公开的,但他依然公然拒绝道歉。(Although his mistake is public, he still brazenly refuses to apologize.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character 公 (gōng) originally depicted the idea of dividing (八) things fairly among people (口/厶), emphasizing the concept of fairness which is central to 'public' actions.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɡʊŋ kʰaɪ də/
US /ɡʊŋ kʰaɪ də/
The primary stress is on the first syllable 'gong', with the second syllable 'kai' also held at a high pitch. 'de' is unstressed.
Rhymes With
公 (gōng) rhymes with 东 (dōng), 通 (tōng), 松 (sōng). 开 (kāi) rhymes with 白 (bái), 来 (lái), 台 (tái). 的 (de) is a particle and doesn't usually rhyme in standard verse. 中 (zhōng) 工 (gōng) 才 (cái) 排 (pái) 海 (hǎi)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'gong' like 'gone'. It should have a clear 'ng' ending.
  • Making 'kai' sound like 'kay'. It should rhyme with 'hi' or 'my'.
  • Stressing the 'de' too much. It should be a very quick, light sound.
  • Failing to maintain the high level tone (1st tone) for 'gong' and 'kai'.
  • Confusing 'kai' with 'kuai' (adding a 'w' sound).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The characters are relatively simple but common in complex texts.

Writing 3/5

Requires correct use of the 'de' particle and understanding collocations.

Speaking 2/5

Easy to pronounce if tones are mastered.

Listening 2/5

Frequent in news and formal conversations.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

秘密 (Secret) 信息 (Information) 大家 (Everyone) 开 (Open) 公 (Public/Fair)

Learn Next

透明 (Transparent) 披露 (Disclose) 隐私 (Privacy) 公告 (Announcement) 声明 (Statement)

Advanced

公证 (Notarize) 公示 (Publicity/Notification) 开诚布公 (Sincere and open) 公诸于世 (Make known to the world) 舆论 (Public opinion)

Grammar to Know

Use of '的' to form attributive adjectives.

公开的 (Public) + 消息 (News)

Adjective as a predicate with '是'.

这个消息是公开的。

Distinction between '的' (adjective) and '地' (adverb).

公开的秘密 vs. 公开地讨论

Placement of adjectives before the noun.

公开的场合 (Correct) vs. 场合公开的 (Incorrect as a modifier)

Negation with '不' or '不是'.

这些资料不公开 or 这些资料不是公开的。

Examples by Level

1

这是一个公开的秘密。

This is an open secret.

公开的 (adjective) + 秘密 (noun).

2

他的电话号码是公开的。

His phone number is public.

Subject + 是 + 公开的 (predicate adjective).

3

我有公开的消息。

I have public news.

公开的 (adjective) + 消息 (noun).

4

这个房间不是公开的。

This room is not public.

Negative form: 不是 + 公开的.

5

公开的信息很有用。

Public information is very useful.

公开的 (adjective) + 信息 (noun).

6

请看那个公开的公告。

Please look at that public announcement.

公开的 (adjective) + 公告 (noun).

7

这是一个公开的活动。

This is a public activity.

公开的 (adjective) + 活动 (noun).

8

名字是公开的吗?

Is the name public?

Question form using 吗.

1

他做了一个公开的道歉。

He made a public apology.

做 + 公开的 + 道歉.

2

这份文件是公开的资料。

This document is public material.

公开的 (adjective) + 资料 (noun).

3

我们在公开的场合见面。

We meet in a public place/occasion.

在 + 公开的 + 场合.

4

这是一个公开的讨论。

This is a public discussion.

公开的 (adjective) + 讨论 (noun).

5

他的身份现在是公开的。

His identity is now public.

身份 (subject) + 是 + 公开的.

6

请发布一个公开的声明。

Please release a public statement.

发布 + 公开的 + 声明.

7

这次比赛是公开的。

This competition is open (to the public).

比赛 (subject) + 是 + 公开的.

8

公开的信件已经寄出了。

The open letter has already been sent.

公开的 (adjective) + 信件 (noun).

1

公司公开的财务报表显示利润增长了。

The company's public financial statements show a profit increase.

公开的 (adjective) + 财务报表 (noun).

2

我们需要更公开的选拔过程。

We need a more open/transparent selection process.

更 + 公开的 + 选拔过程.

3

他在公开的演讲中提到了这个问题。

He mentioned this problem in his public speech.

在 + 公开的 + 演讲 + 中.

4

这是一个公开的市场,竞争很激烈。

This is an open market; competition is fierce.

公开的 + 市场 (noun).

5

公开的数据可以帮助我们做研究。

Publicly available data can help us do research.

公开的 + 数据 (noun).

6

他的行为是对法律公开的挑战。

His behavior is an overt challenge to the law.

公开的 + 挑战 (noun).

7

政府承诺会进行公开的调查。

The government promised to conduct a public investigation.

进行 + 公开的 + 调查.

8

这种关系在公司内部不是公开的。

This relationship is not public within the company.

Negative structure: 不是 + 公开的.

1

公开的招标过程确保了公平性。

The public bidding process ensured fairness.

公开的 + 招标过程 (noun phrase).

2

媒体对这起公开的丑闻进行了详细报道。

The media provided detailed reports on this public scandal.

公开的 + 丑闻 (noun).

3

这是一个公开的听证会,欢迎市民参加。

This is a public hearing; citizens are welcome to attend.

公开的 + 听证会 (noun).

4

他公开的政治立场引起了争议。

His public political stance caused controversy.

公开的 + 政治立场 (noun phrase).

5

公开的档案为历史学家提供了证据。

Publicly available archives provided evidence for historians.

公开的 + 档案 (noun).

6

这次改革需要公开的讨论和反馈。

This reform needs public discussion and feedback.

需要 + 公开的 + 讨论.

7

公开的判决结果让受害者感到欣慰。

The public verdict made the victim feel relieved.

公开的 + 判决结果 (noun phrase).

8

他是一个拥有公开身份的间谍。

He is a spy with a public identity (paradoxical usage).

拥有 + 公开的 + 身份.

1

政务公开的程度反映了一个国家的法治水平。

The degree of government transparency reflects a country's level of the rule of law.

政务公开 (noun phrase) + 的 (possessive) + 程度.

2

这种公开的敌意让谈判陷入了僵局。

This overt hostility brought the negotiations to a stalemate.

公开的 + 敌意 (abstract noun).

3

公开的辩论有助于澄清复杂的问题。

Public debate helps clarify complex issues.

公开的 + 辩论 (noun).

4

我们需要建立一种更加公开的沟通机制。

We need to establish a more open communication mechanism.

建立 + 更加 + 公开的 + 沟通机制.

5

公开的信息披露是现代金融市场的基石。

Public information disclosure is the cornerstone of modern financial markets.

公开的 + 信息披露 (technical term).

6

他的演讲是对现行体制公开的批判。

His speech is an overt critique of the current system.

公开的 + 批判 (noun).

7

公开的竞争环境有利于创新。

An open competitive environment is conducive to innovation.

公开的 + 竞争环境 (noun phrase).

8

这种公开的透明度赢得了投资者的信任。

This public transparency won the trust of investors.

公开的 + 透明度 (noun phrase).

1

司法公开的广度与深度正不断拓展。

The breadth and depth of judicial openness are constantly expanding.

司法公开 (subject) + 的 (possessive) + 广度与深度.

2

他以一种公开的姿态挑战了学术界的传统观点。

He challenged traditional views in academia with an overt posture.

以 + 公开的 + 姿态.

3

在公开的舆论压力下,公司不得不撤回决定。

Under public opinion pressure, the company had to withdraw its decision.

在 + 公开的 + 舆论压力 + 下.

4

这一政策的公开化标志着社会治理的进步。

The making public of this policy marks progress in social governance.

公开化 (nominalization of 'make public').

5

公开的忏悔往往具有强大的社会修复功能。

Public repentance often has a powerful social restorative function.

公开的 + 忏悔 (abstract noun).

6

我们要防止公开的辩论演变成恶意的攻击。

We must prevent public debate from devolving into malicious attacks.

防止 + 公开的 + 辩论 + 演变成...

7

公开的信息不仅仅是数据,更是权利的体现。

Public information is not just data; it is an embodiment of rights.

公开的 + 信息 (subject) + 是 + ...

8

在信息公开的时代,隐瞒真相变得越来越困难。

In the era of information disclosure, hiding the truth becomes increasingly difficult.

在 + 信息公开 + 的 + 时代.

Common Collocations

公开的场合
公开的秘密
公开的声明
公开的数据
公开的竞争
公开的道歉
公开的信
公开的档案
公开的听证会
公开的调查

Common Phrases

公开招聘

— Public recruitment; hiring that is open to all applicants.

公司正在进行公开招聘。

公开课

— An open class; a lecture open to observers or the public.

明天有一节公开课。

公开信

— An open letter; a letter intended to be read by a large audience.

他在报纸上发表了公开信。

公开化

— To make public; the process of becoming non-secret.

矛盾已经公开化了。

公开招标

— Public bidding; an open invitation for contractors to submit bids.

这个项目将实行公开招标。

公开审判

— A public trial; a court case open to the public.

法律规定要进行公开审判。

公开表演

— A public performance; a show open to an audience.

这是她的第一次公开表演。

公开谴责

— Public condemnation; expressing strong disapproval in public.

这种行为遭到了公开谴责。

公开选拔

— Public selection; choosing candidates through an open process.

通过公开选拔产生领导人。

公开市场

— Open market; an economic system with no barriers to trade.

公开市场业务是央行的手段。

Often Confused With

公开的 vs 公共 (gōnggòng)

Refers to shared/communal things (e.g., public bus). '公开' is for non-secret info.

公开的 vs 公立 (gōnglì)

Specifically for state-funded institutions (e.g., public school).

公开的 vs 公然 (gōngrán)

Means 'brazenly' and usually carries a negative judgment.

Idioms & Expressions

"大公无私"

— Selfless; perfectly impartial and public-spirited.

他办事大公无私,深受敬佩。

Formal
"公开透明"

— Open and transparent; often used as a set phrase in governance.

我们要确保过程公开透明。

Formal
"开诚布公"

— To speak frankly and sincerely; to lay one's cards on the table.

大家应该开诚布公地谈一谈。

Formal/Literary
"公诸于世"

— To make something known to the whole world.

真相终于公诸于世了。

Literary
"众目睽睽"

— In the eyes of the public; under the watchful eyes of many.

他在众目睽睽之下偷了东西。

Literary
"名正言顺"

— To be perfectly justifiable and proper; done with the right title/reason.

他是名正言顺的继承人。

Idiomatic
"光明正大"

— Honest and above board; open and straightforward.

我们做事要光明正大。

Neutral
"推诚相见"

— To treat each other with sincerity and openness.

双方推诚相见,达成了协议。

Formal
"开门见山"

— To get straight to the point; to be open from the start.

他说话开门见山,从不绕弯子。

Neutral
"有目共睹"

— Obvious to all; everyone can see it.

他的成就有目共睹。

Formal

Easily Confused

公开的 vs 透明 (tòumíng)

Both imply being 'open'.

'公开' is about access/disclosure; '透明' is about clarity and being easy to understand.

财务报表是公开的,但财务制度不一定透明。

公开的 vs 开放 (kāifàng)

Both translate to 'open'.

'开放' is broader, used for minds, countries, or doors. '公开' is specific to information status.

这个公园是对外开放的,但内部会议不是公开的。

公开的 vs 披露 (pīlù)

Both mean 'disclose'.

'披露' is a formal verb/adjective for legal/official news. '公开' is more general.

他披露了那件公开的消息背后的秘密。

公开的 vs 宣布 (xuānbù)

Both involve making things known.

'宣布' is the action of announcing. '公开的' is the state of the information.

他宣布了那个公开的决定。

公开的 vs 公认 (gōngrèn)

Both start with '公'.

'公认' means 'widely recognized' or 'generally accepted'.

他是公认的天才,这也是个公开的事实。

Sentence Patterns

A1

这是公开的[Noun]。

这是公开的秘密。

A2

[Noun]是公开的。

他的名字是公开的。

B1

在公开的[Noun]中,[Sentence]。

在公开的演讲中,他谈到了未来。

B2

通过公开的[Noun]来[Verb]。

通过公开的选拔来招聘人才。

C1

[Abstract Noun]的公开化是[Sentence]。

政务的公开化是法治的进步。

C2

以公开的姿态[Verb]。

他以公开的姿态回应了质疑。

B1

发布一份公开的[Noun]。

发布一份公开的声明。

B2

确保[Noun]是公开和透明的。

确保过程是公开和透明的。

Word Family

Nouns

公开化 (gōngkāihuà) - The process of making something public.
公众 (gōngzhòng) - The public; the people.
公告 (gōnggào) - Public announcement/notice.

Verbs

公开 (gōngkāi) - To make public; to disclose.
开放 (kāifàng) - To open up (e.g., a country or a park).
公开化 (gōngkāihuà) - (As a verb) To become public.

Adjectives

公开的 (gōngkāi de) - Public; open.
公共的 (gōnggòng de) - Shared; communal.
公立的 (gōnglì de) - State-run; public (institutions).

Related

透明 (tòumíng) - Transparent.
披露 (pīlù) - Disclose.
隐私 (yǐnsī) - Privacy.
秘密 (mìmì) - Secret.
内部 (nèibù) - Internal.

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in news, professional contexts, and social discussions.

Common Mistakes
  • Using 公开的 for a public park. 公共公园 (gōnggòng gōngyuán)

    公开 refers to information disclosure, not communal space usage.

  • Using 公开的 for a government school. 公立学校 (gōnglì xuéxiào)

    公立 refers to the funding and ownership of an institution.

  • Saying '公开的人' for a celebrity. 公众人物 (gōngzhòng rénwù)

    People are referred to as 'public figures' (公众人物), not 'disclosed people'.

  • Mixing up '公开' (verb) and '公开的' (adjective). 他公开了秘密 (He disclosed it) vs 这是一个公开的秘密 (This is an open secret).

    The particle '的' is necessary for the adjective form.

  • Using '公然' for a neutral public action. 公开地表达 (Express publicly) vs 公然挑衅 (Brazenly provoke).

    公然 has a negative connotation of being brazen or shameless.

Tips

The 'DE' Rule

Always use '的' when you want '公开' to describe a noun. Without it, the listener might think you are using a verb.

Avoid Confusion

Remember: 公共 (Shared), 公立 (State-run), 公开 (Disclosed). They are not interchangeable!

Transparency

In modern China, '公开' is a buzzword for government accountability. Use it in political or social discussions.

Business Etiquette

Before sharing info, ask '这是公开的吗?' (Is this public?) to show respect for confidentiality.

Tone Accuracy

Keep the first tones in 'gōngkāi' steady. Dropping the tone might make it sound like 'gòng' (work) or 'kǎi' (triumphant).

Idiom Usage

Use '公开的秘密' to make your writing sound more native and sophisticated.

Gong & Door

Gong (sound) + Kai (open) = Public. If a sound is made and the door is open, everyone knows!

News Keywords

When you hear 'gōngkāi' in the news, expect words like 'statement', 'investigation', or 'results' to follow.

Privacy Boundaries

Use '公开' to talk about social media settings, like a 'public profile' (公开的个人资料).

Overt vs. Public

For 'overt' hostility or challenges, '公开的' is the perfect word to use.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Gong' as a loud gong that everyone hears, and 'Kai' as opening a door. When you hit a gong and open the door, everything is '公开的' (public).

Visual Association

Imagine a giant red door opening to reveal a crowd of people. On the door is the character 公 (public).

Word Web

公开 (Public) 秘密 (Secret) 信息 (Information) 透明 (Transparent) 场合 (Occasion) 声明 (Statement) 道歉 (Apology) 数据 (Data)

Challenge

Try to find three things in your room that are '公开的' (like a poster on the wall) and three things that are '秘密的' (like a diary).

Word Origin

The word is composed of two characters: 公 (gōng) and 开 (kāi). 公 historically meant 'impartial' or 'belonging to the state,' while 开 meant 'to open' or 'to start.' Together, they signify opening something to the collective or the state.

Original meaning: To open to the public or to act impartially in the open.

Sino-Tibetan (Chinese).

Cultural Context

Be careful when asking if someone's personal life is '公开的', as privacy is valued differently across generations in China.

English speakers often use 'public' for places (parks, toilets), but in Chinese, '公开的' is primarily for information and actions. Use '公共' for shared physical spaces.

The 'Government Information Disclosure Regulations' (政府信息公开条例) in China. The term '公开课' (Open Class) used in the Chinese education system. The phrase '公开的秘密' (Open Secret) which is a common loan-translation from Western languages.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Business

  • 公开的财务报表
  • 公开招标
  • 公开竞争
  • 公开招聘

Media

  • 公开的声明
  • 公开信
  • 公开的道歉
  • 公开的谴责

Law

  • 公开审判
  • 公开的证据
  • 公开听证会
  • 公开的档案

Social

  • 公开的秘密
  • 公开的场合
  • 公开的关系
  • 公开的活动

Education

  • 公开课
  • 公开选拔
  • 公开的评价
  • 公开的讲座

Conversation Starters

"你觉得政府的信息应该是完全公开的吗? (Do you think government information should be completely public?)"

"在你的国家,名人的私人生活是公开的吗? (In your country, is the private life of celebrities public?)"

"你认为公司应该有公开的工资制度吗? (Do you think companies should have a public salary system?)"

"你曾经在公开的场合做过演讲吗? (Have you ever given a speech in a public place?)"

"如果一个秘密变成了公开的秘密,它还是秘密吗? (If a secret becomes an open secret, is it still a secret?)"

Journal Prompts

写一写关于隐私和公开的信息之间的平衡。你觉得哪些信息不应该被公开? (Write about the balance between privacy and public information. What information do you think should not be public?)

描述一次你在公开场合感到尴尬的经历。 (Describe an experience where you felt embarrassed in a public setting.)

讨论一下互联网如何让原本私人的事情变得公开。 (Discuss how the internet makes private matters public.)

你对“公开的秘密”有什么看法?举一个你身边的例子。 (What are your thoughts on 'open secrets'? Give an example from your life.)

如果你的生活变成了一场公开的表演,你会怎么做? (If your life became a public performance, what would you do?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, you should use '公共的' (gōnggòng de) or '对外开放的' (duìwài kāifàng de). '公开的' is for information or actions that are not secret.

'公开' can be a verb (to make public) or an adjective. '公开的' is specifically the adjective form used to modify a noun. For example, '公开秘密' (verb phrase) vs '公开的秘密' (adjective phrase).

Yes, it is a direct equivalent and is used very frequently to describe something everyone knows but is officially a secret.

Generally, no. For a public figure, use '公众人物' (gōngzhòng rénwù). '公开的人' sounds unnatural in Chinese.

Use '透明' (transparent) when you want to emphasize that a process is clear, honest, and has nothing to hide, rather than just being 'known'.

Not necessarily. While it often implies transparency, it can be neutral or negative if describing something that should have been kept private, like '公开的隐私'.

You can use '公开地' (gōngkāi de) or '在公开场合' (in a public setting). For example: '他公开地道歉了'.

The most direct opposites are '秘密的' (secret), '私人的' (private), or '内部的' (internal).

Yes, '公开赛' (Open Tournament) is a very common term, similar to 'The US Open'.

Yes, it is very common in terms like '公开招标' (public bidding) and '公开财务报表' (public financial statements).

Test Yourself 180 questions

writing

Translate: 'This is an open secret.'

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writing

Translate: 'His phone number is public.'

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writing

Translate: 'He made a public apology.'

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writing

Translate: 'Please release a public statement.'

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writing

Translate: 'We need more public data.'

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writing

Translate: 'This is an open market.'

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writing

Translate: 'The bidding process is public.'

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writing

Translate: 'Government transparency is important.'

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writing

Translate: 'This is an overt challenge to the law.'

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writing

Translate: 'Public opinion pressure is high.'

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writing

Translate: 'Judicial openness marks progress.'

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writing

Translate: 'He challenged the tradition openly.'

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writing

Write a sentence using '公开的场合'.

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writing

Write a sentence using '公开招聘'.

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writing

Write a sentence using '公开课'.

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writing

Write a sentence using '公开信'.

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writing

Write a sentence using '大公无私'.

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writing

Write a sentence using '众所周知'.

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writing

Write a sentence using '开诚布公'.

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writing

Write a sentence using '公诸于世'.

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speaking

Say: '这是一个公开的秘密。'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: '他的名字是公开的。'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: '请看公开的公告。'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: '他在公开场合道歉了。'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: '公开的数据很有用。'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: '这是公开的竞争。'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: '政务公开很重要。'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: '招标过程是公开的。'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: '司法公开是进步。'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: '众所周知的事实。'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: '真相公诸于世。'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: '开诚布公地谈。'

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speaking

Explain '公开的秘密' in Chinese.

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speaking

Explain '政务公开' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Explain '大公无私' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Use '公开的' in a sentence about a job.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Use '公开的' in a sentence about news.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Describe a 'public hearing' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Use '众所周知' in a sentence.

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speaking

Use '公开透明' in a sentence.

Read this aloud:

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listening

Listen and identify: '这是一个公开的秘密。' (Audio: Zhè shì yīgè gōngkāi de mìmì.)

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify: '政务公开条例。' (Audio: Zhèngwù gōngkāi tiáolì.)

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify: '公开的财务报表。' (Audio: Gōngkāi de cáiwù bàobiǎo.)

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify: '公开招标。' (Audio: Gōngkāi zhāobiāo.)

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify: '大公无私。' (Audio: Dàgōngwúsī.)

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify: '公开的道歉。' (Audio: Gōngkāi de dàoqiàn.)

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify: '公开课。' (Audio: Gōngkāikè.)

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify: '公开信。' (Audio: Gōngkāixìn.)

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify: '众所周知。' (Audio: Zhòngsuǒzhōuzhī.)

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify: '司法公开。' (Audio: Sīfǎ gōngkāi.)

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify: '公开的场合。' (Audio: Gōngkāi de chǎnghé.)

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
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listening

Listen and identify: '公开的数据。' (Audio: Gōngkāi de shùjù.)

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
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listening

Listen and identify: '公诸于世。' (Audio: Gōngzhūyúshì.)

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify: '公开招聘。' (Audio: Gōngkāi zhāopìn.)

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
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listening

Listen and identify: '开诚布公。' (Audio: Kāichéngbùgōng.)

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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