godan verb (-ku), transitive verb
cut open; slash open
Physically cutting something open, such as a body, bag, or envelope.
外科医が患者の胸を切り開いた。
The surgeon cut open the patient's chest.
彼はナイフで封筒を切り開
He slit open the envelope with a knife.
godan verb (-ku), transitive verb
clear (land); cut (a path); hack through
Removing obstacles to create a passage or open space, often in nature. 切り拓く is common for this sense.
開拓者たちは森を切り開いて農地を作った。
The pioneers cleared the forest to make farmland.
彼らはジャングルに道を切り開いた。
They cut a path through the jungle.
godan verb (-ku), transitive verb
carve out (a future); open up (a new field); pioneer
Metaphorical use: creating new opportunities or breaking new ground in life, career, or a field. 切り拓く is also common here.
彼女は自分の力で新しい人生を切り開いた。
She carved out a new life for herself through her own efforts.
この研究は医学の新分野を切り開くものだ。
This research opens up a new field in medicine.