zoeng1 hoi1張開张开
Jyutpingzoeng1 hoi1
Yalejēung hōi
Definition
To open or spread out; to stretch open something that was closed.
colloquialbodydaily actions
How it's used
Focuses on the physical act of extending or widening something that was previously folded or closed. While it functions as a verb, it is often used in contexts involving body parts like eyes, mouths, or arms. It carries a sense of deliberate expansion rather than just unlocking or turning on.
Examples
Can you open your mouth for the doctor to see?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this for opening doors or windows, where 開 is sufficient on its own. Using 張開 for a door sounds unnatural and implies physically unfolding the door panel itself.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
