开(kāi): to open (transitive or intransitive)
to open (transitive or intransitive)
Stroke order animation
Character information
- Pinyin
- kāi
- Meaning
- to open (transitive or intransitive); (of ships, vehicles, troops etc) to start; to turn on; to put in operation; to operate; to run; to boil; to write out (a prescription, check, invoice etc); (directional complement) away; off; carat (gold); abbr. for Kelvin, 开尔文; abbr. for 开本, book format
- Strokes
- 4
- HSK level
- HSK 1
- Traditional
- 開
Origin & structure
Where 开 comes from and how its parts fit together.
How to write 开 step by step
4 strokes — each frame adds one stroke, shown in dark ink over the lighter ones.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
Words with 开
Common words using 开 — tap any character to open its stroke-order page.
Related characters
Ready to master 开?
Trace 开 stroke by stroke in the online practice tool, or turn it into a printable worksheet PDF with Tianzige practice grids, pinyin, and stroke-order breakdowns.