Definition
开锅 is a separable verb (离合词) meaning 'to boil' — specifically when a liquid in a pot reaches a rolling boil. It can also literally mean 'to remove the lid from a cooking pot'. The verb 开 splits from the noun 锅 when you add measure words or duration: 开了两次锅 ('boiled twice'), 开了十分钟锅 ('boiled for ten minutes'). You'll hear this word in cooking contexts, especially when someone says '水开锅了' (the water is boiling).
v.o.
to boil (of liquid in a pot)to remove the lid from a cooking pot
Examples
- 开锅，。Shuǐ kāi guō le, kěyǐ xià miàntiáo le.The water is boiling; you can put the noodles in now.
- 。Děng tāng kāi le guō zài fàng yán.Wait until the soup has boiled before adding salt.
- ，。Guō kāi le, kuài bǎ huǒ guān xiǎo.The pot is boiling; quickly turn down the heat.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.