Definition

1. Verb phrase:
   • To open a door/gate/entrance: The literal action of moving a door, gate, or similar barrier from a closed to an open position to allow passage or access.
   • To open for business: To begin operating or to start admitting customers, typically used for shops, offices, or public institutions.

Usage Examples

• Literal action:

  • Xin hãy mở cửa. (Please open the door.)
  • Cổng trường đã mở cửa. (The school gate has opened.)

• Beginning operation:

  • Thư viện mở cửa từ 8 giờ sáng. (The library opens at 8 a.m.)
  • Cửa hàng đó mở cửa cả ngày Chủ nhật. (That store opens all day Sunday.)

Advanced Usage

• "mở cửa đón khách": to open doors to welcome guests; a formal or hospitable way to announce the start of business or an event.

  • Nhà hàng mới mở cửa đón khách tuần trước. (The new restaurant opened its doors to guests last week.)

• "mở cửa hội nhập": to open the door for integration; a socio-economic term referring to a policy of opening a country to international trade and cooperation.

  • Chính sách mở cửa hội nhập đã thay đổi nền kinh tế. (The open-door integration policy changed the economy.)

Variants and Related Words

• Mở cửa hàng (v): to open a shop/store (specifically for starting a retail business).

  • Họ dự định mở cửa hàng vào tháng tới. (They plan to open a shop next month.)

• Giờ mở cửa (n): opening hours.

  • Giờ mở cửa được ghi trên cửa. (The opening hours are posted on the door.)

Synonyms

• To open: the general action.
• To unlock: specifically when opening involves releasing a lock (though "mở khóa" is more precise).
• To commence operations: for businesses.

Related Idioms

• Mở cửa trái tim: to open the door of one's heart; to become emotionally open or receptive.

  • Cô ấy đã học cách mở cửa trái tim. (She learned to open the door of her heart.)

• Mở cửa tương lai: to open the door to the future; to create new opportunities.

  • Giáo dục tốt sẽ mở cửa tương lai cho trẻ. (A good education will open the door to the future for children.)