1.
to clear, to open up (land)
To clear land by cutting down trees and vegetation.
森を切り開いて農地にした。
They cleared the forest and made it farmland.
2.
to pioneer, to forge (a path)
To create a new way or opportunity where none existed before.
自分で道を切り開く。
I'll forge my own path.
未来を切り開く力がある。
You have the power to pioneer your future.
切り開く is a compound verb meaning to clear or pioneer, used literally and figuratively.
TRANSITIVITY:
- Type: 他動詞 (transitive)
- Takes を particle for the object being cleared or pioneered
COMPOUND STRUCTURE:
切る (to cut) + 開く (to open) = to cut open, clear away
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 森を切り開く: to clear a forest
- 道を切り開く: to forge a path
- 未来を切り開く: to pioneer one's future
- 新しい分野を切り開く: to pioneer a new field
USAGE:
Literally used for clearing land or vegetation. Figuratively used for breaking new ground, creating opportunities, or overcoming obstacles to achieve something new.