Meaning:
Literally meaning “to cultivate virgin land,” this Chinese term has been given new meanings. When used in discussions about housing, this term means “to do a thorough cleaning after an apartment has been furbished or given a new interior décor.” In the context of playing online games, this term refers to the scenario where the players try to “kill off” a new nemesis.
Example:
A: 最近我们在开荒，怎么你好久没玩了？
Zuìjìn wǒmen zài kāihuāng, zěnme nǐ hǎojiǔ méi wán le?
We are trying to “kill off” a new nemesis now. Why haven’t you joined us in the game for so long?
B: 我在忙房子的装修，新房估计下个月可以开荒了。忙完这些我就跟你们一起开荒。
Wǒ zài máng fángzi de zhuāngxiū, xīnfáng gūjì xiàgeyuè kěyǐ kāihuāng le。Máng wán zhèxiē wǒjiù gēn nǐmen yīqǐ kāihuāng。
I’m busy furbishing my apartment, and the finishing touch of a deep clean will likely be done next month. After all the chores I will join you in the game.