公开
Traditional: 公開
gōng kāi HSK 5

English Meaning

📚 Example Sentences

这个信息是公开的。
Zhège xìnxī shì gōngkāi de.
This information is public.
他们公开了比赛结果。
Tāmen gōngkāile bǐsài jiéguǒ.
They announced the competition results publicly.
这是一个公开的秘密。
Zhè shì yī gè gōngkāi de mìmì.
This is an open secret.
他公开道歉。
Tā gōngkāi dàoqiàn.
He apologized publicly.
会议公开举行。
Huìyì gōngkāi jǔxíng.
The meeting is held openly.

💡 Memory Tip

Break it down: 公 (gōng) means 'public' or 'common,' and 开 (kāi) means 'open.' Think of it as 'publicly open'—like opening something to the public. Associate it with a public announcement or a courtroom setting where things are stated openly.

📝 Usage Notes

This word is neutral in formality and used in both spoken and written Chinese. It's common in formal contexts like legal proceedings, official announcements, media reports, and public discussions, but also appears in everyday speech when discussing personal matters made public.

📖 Grammar Points

公开 often precedes verbs to form adverbial phrases, e.g., 公开 + Verb (公开承认). It can also function as an adjective, e.g., 公开的会议 (public meeting). In sentences, it typically modifies the main action to indicate it's done openly.

🏯 Cultural Notes

In Chinese culture, 公开 reflects values of transparency and accountability, especially in governance and media. However, the degree of 'openness' can vary contextually, and some matters may remain private due to social norms, making 公开 a significant term in discussions about public versus private spheres.

🔄 Similar Words

公开 vs. 公布: 公开 emphasizes the open, non-secret nature of an action or information, while 公布 (gōngbù) specifically means to announce or publish something officially. 公开 can be an adverb or adjective, whereas 公布 is primarily a verb.

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