Definition
开恩 is a verb-object compound (离合词) meaning 'to show mercy' or 'to grant a favor', often used when a superior or authority figure pardons someone or does something generous. As a separable verb, you can insert measure words, time expressions, or other elements between 开 and 恩 — for example, 开了一次恩 ('showed mercy once'). It carries a slightly formal or literary tone.
v.o.
to show mercyto grant a favor (often from a superior)
Examples
- 开恩，。Qiú nín kāi ēn, ráo le wǒ zhè yí cì ba.Please show mercy and forgive me this once.
- ，。Lǎobǎn kāi le yí cì ēn, gěi wǒmen fàng le sān tiān jià.The boss showed mercy once and gave us three days off.
- 。Tā cónglái méi duì shéi kāi guò ēn.He has never shown mercy to anyone.
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