开创 (kāichuàng) — to pioneer; to create; to open up

开创 (kāichuàng)

To pioneer or create something new means to be the first to establish it, breaking new ground and bringing something previously nonexistent into being.

Meanings

1. [verb] to pioneer; to found; to create; to open up (a new era, field, or path)

Example Sentences

他开创了现代中国画的新风格。 Tā kāichuàngle xiàndài Zhōngguó huà de xīn fēnggé. He pioneered a new style of modern Chinese painting.

改革开放开创了中国历史上的新局面。 Gǎigé kāifàng kāichuàngle Zhōngguó lìshǐ shàng de xīn júmiàn. Reform and opening up opened up a new situation in Chinese history.

他们希望开创一个更加公平、包容的社会。 Tāmen xīwàng kāichuàng yīgè gèngjiā gōngpíng, bāoróng de shèhuì. They hope to pioneer a more equitable and inclusive society.

这位科学家开创了基因编辑领域的先河。 Zhè wèi kēxuéjiā kāichuàngle jīyīn biānjí lǐngyù de xiānhé. This scientist pioneered the field of gene editing.

公司正在努力开创新的市场，寻找增长机会。 Gōngsī zhèngzài nǔlì kāichuàng xīn de shìchǎng, xúnzhǎo zēngzhǎng jīhuì. The company is working hard to open up new markets and find growth opportunities.

年轻一代有责任开创更加美好的未来。 Niánqīng yīdài yǒu zérèn kāichuàng gèngjiā měihǎo de wèilái. The younger generation has the responsibility to pioneer a better future.

Collocations

Usage Notes

开创 emphasizes the act of originating something new, suggesting a first-of-its-kind achievement. It is more formal and elevated than 开始 (to begin) and implies historical or significant impact. The phrase 开创先河 (literally "to open the source of a river") means to set a precedent for the first time.

开创性 as an adjective means "pioneering" or "groundbreaking": 开创性的工作 (pioneering work). This is especially common in academic and scientific contexts.

Memory Hook

开 (to open) + 创 (to create/found) -- opening a door to something entirely new, creating the very path others will follow.