The compound word **开朗** is formed by combining two meaningful characters: **开**, which means "to open" or "to unfold," and **朗**, meaning "bright," "clear," or "sunny." Together, they create a metaphorical concept where "opening up" one's inner state leads to "brightness," thus describing a personality that is cheerful, optimistic, and open-minded. The word originally described spacious, well-lit physical environments but evolved through figurative extension to depict a person's unobstructed and radiant disposition, where mental "openness" is equated with psychological brightness and ease.