Definition
想得开 is a fixed resultative complement phrase meaning 'to not dwell on things' or 'to take things philosophically'. It consists of 想 (think) + 得 (can) + 开 (open/let go), and is often used in the negative form 想不开 ('can't let go, worry too much'). You can insert 得 or 不 between 想 and 开 to express ability or inability to let go. It's commonly used with topics like setbacks, criticism, or loss.
r.v.
to take things philosophicallyto not let worries get to oneto be able to let go
Examples
- 想得开，。Tā zhè rén hěn xiǎng dé, bùguǎn yùdào shénme shì dōu bù fàng zài xīn shang.He takes things philosophically; no matter what happens he never dwells on it.
- 想得开，。Nǐ xiǎng dé yìdiǎn, bié wèi zhè diǎn xiǎoshì shēngqì.Try to take it easy; don't get upset over such a small thing.
- 想得开，。Tā duì shīyè hěn xiǎng dé, hěn kuài jiù zhǎo dào le xīn gōngzuò.She took being laid off philosophically and soon found a new job.
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