Meaning
to break through (a deadlock); to find a way out; to resolve a difficult situation
Nuance & Usage
打開する means to break through a stalemate, impasse, or difficult situation that has been stuck. 局面を打開する (to break through a deadlock), 現状を打開する (to break out of the current situation), 打開策 (dakai-saku — a way out, a breakthrough measure) are key expressions. The kanji 打 (to strike) and 開 (to open) vividly describe forcefully opening up a blocked path. It's used in political negotiations, business crises, sports, and personal challenges. The tone is active and determined.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 打開する with 解決する (kaiketsu suru — to solve/resolve) and 突破する (toppa suru — to break through, a barrier or obstacle). 打開する specifically implies breaking through a stalled situation where progress has stopped — it's the action of getting things moving again after being stuck. 解決する is about reaching a final resolution; 打開する is about getting unstuck. 打開の糸口 (the first thread of a breakthrough) is an important idiom.
Example Sentences
交渉は行き詰まりを打開するため、いったん休止された。
こうしょうはゆきづまりをだかいするため、いったんきゅうしされた。
The negotiations were temporarily suspended in order to break through the deadlock.
現状を打開するには、まったく新しい発想が必要だ。
げんじょうをだかいするには、まったくあたらしいはっそうがひつようだ。
To break out of the current situation, a completely new way of thinking is needed.
危機的な状況を打開するため、各分野の専門家が招集された。
ききてきなじょうきょうをだかいするため、かくぶんやのせんもんかがしょうしゅうされた。
Experts from various fields were summoned to break through the critical situation.
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