Definition
吃得开 is a colloquial set phrase that describes someone or something that is well-received, successful, or able to get things done in a particular environment. It often implies social or professional savvy — being 'in one's element' or 'having pull' somewhere. The structure is fixed (verb + 得 + complement), and it's used with 在 or 到 to specify the context.
r.v.
to be popular or well-liked (in a certain place or field)to be effective or successful (of methods, strategies)
Examples
- 吃得开，。Tā zài gōngsī hěn chī dé, dàjiā dōu yuànyì gēn tā hézuò.He is very popular at the company; everyone is willing to cooperate with him.
- 吃得开。Zhè zhǒng xīn fāngfǎ zài shìchǎng shàng hěn chī dé.This new method is very successful in the market.
- 吃得开，。Tā zhège rén dào nǎr dōu chī dé, péngyou tèbié duō.This guy is popular wherever he goes — he has a lot of friends.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.