翻开 literally combines 翻 (fān, 'to flip' or 'to turn over') and 开 (kāi, 'to open'). Together, it means 'to open (a book or page)' — specifically by turning the cover or a page to begin reading. It emphasizes the physical action of starting to access content, especially in printed materials like books, notebooks, or newspapers.

Beyond its literal meaning, 翻开 is also used metaphorically to indicate the beginning of a new phase or chapter in life — for example, '翻开人生的新一页' ('turn over a new leaf in life'). This figurative usage is common in speeches, writing, and inspirational contexts. Unlike generic verbs like 打开 (to open something physically), 翻开 implies intentionality, transition, and often a sense of significance or freshness.