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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'to open (eyes)' with 睁开 (zhēngkāi)

    Actions & Events
    Direction & Movement

    Structure

    Subject + 睁开 + 眼睛/双眼

    Explanation

    睁开 (zhēngkāi) means "to open one's eyes." The directional complement 开 indicates the separating or opening movement, and this verb is specifically used with eyes, as in 睁开双眼 (to open both eyes).

    Examples

    • 他慢慢睁开眼睛，发现自己在医院里。

      Tā mànmàn zhēngkāi yǎnjīng, fāxiàn zìjǐ zài yīyuàn lǐ.

      He slowly opened his eyes and found himself in a hospital.

    • 早上闹钟一响，我就睁开了眼睛。

      Zǎoshang nàozhōng yī xiǎng, wǒ jiù zhēngkāile yǎnjīng.

      As soon as the alarm went off in the morning, I opened my eyes.

    • 孩子睁开双眼，好奇地看着周围。

      Háizi zhēngkāi shuāngyǎn, hàoqí de kànzhe zhōuwéi.

      The child opened both eyes and looked around curiously.

    Expressing 'to open (eyes)' with 睁开 (zhēngkāi) | Chinese Grammar