不可开交(不可開交)
不可开交 (bù kě kāi jiāo) literally means “cannot open and separate”and expresses “extremely busy; inextricably involved”.This idiom is used when describing situations involving life philosophy.
Also searched as: bu ke kai jiao, bu ke kai jiao,不可开交 meaning, 不可开交 in english
Pronunciation: bù kě kāi jiāo Literal meaning: Cannot open and separate
Origin & Usage
This idiom describes being unable (不可) to open or separate (开交) - being so entangled in activity that one cannot extricate oneself. Originally describing situations of intense conflict where parties couldn't disengage, it evolved to describe being overwhelmingly busy. The phrase appeared in texts describing fierce battles or heated disputes. Modern usage commonly describes being extremely busy, deeply embroiled in conflict, or intensely occupied with demanding tasks.
When to Use
Situation: They were so busy they couldn't handle everything.
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Related Chinese Idioms
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qiān lǐ tiáo tiáo
Travel a great distance
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民富国强
mín fù guó qiáng
Prosperous people and powerful nation
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国泰民安
guó tài mín ān
National peace and public security
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Golden age of peace and prosperity
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sì hǎi shēng píng
Peace everywhere; universal harmony
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Prefer stability; reluctant to relocate
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故土难离
gù tǔ nán lí
Hard to leave one's homeland
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luò yè guī gēn
Return to one's roots; go back home
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 不可开交 mean in English?
不可开交 (bù kě kāi jiāo) literally translates to “Cannot open and separate”and is used to express “Extremely busy; inextricably involved”. This Chinese idiom belongs to theLife Philosophy category..
When is 不可开交 used?
Situation: They were so busy they couldn't handle everything.
What is the pinyin for 不可开交?
The pinyin pronunciation for 不可开交 is “bù kě kāi jiāo”.