Meanings of 發
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About 發
Podcast: 發
Podcast: 發
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AI Study Notes for 發
發 (fā) vs 發展 (fāzhǎn) — use 發 when referring specifically to issuing or sending out, while 發展 refers to development or growth in a broader sense.
Be careful not to confuse 發 (fā) with 發音 (fāyīn), which means 'pronunciation.' It's commonly used in both spoken and written Mandarin, but in formal contexts, it’s often paired with other characters, such as 發布 (fābù, to publish) or 發現 (fāxiàn, to discover). Pay attention to the fourth tone, as mispronunciation can lead to confusion with different words.
While 發 is not currently included in HSK levels, its related words like 發展 (fāzhǎn, to develop) and 發表 (fābiǎo, to express or issue) are useful for learners. Focus on practicing these collocations to build a broader vocabulary around the concept of 'issuing' or 'sending out'.
Learners often confuse 發 (fā) with 發音 (fāyīn; pronunciation) or mispronounce it as the fourth tone, which changes its meaning completely. Always remember to use the first tone to refer to 'to issue' or 'to send out.'
Pronunciation of 發
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Etymology of 發
Simplified form of both 發 (send out; to issue) and 髮 (hair). Derived from 犬 (dog), the bottom component of 髮.
bow
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 發
Simplified form of both 發 (send out; to issue) and 髮 (hair). Derived from 犬 (dog), the bottom component of 髮.
- 1The meaning half弓 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half癶 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawaybow
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
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Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 發
Identify the Components
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How to say to issue, to dispatch, to send out; hair in Chinese
“to issue, to dispatch, to send out; hair” in Chinese is發
The character 發 (fā) primarily means 'to issue' or 'to send out,' often used in contexts such as issuing a document or dispatching an order. It can also refer to 'hair,' particularly in phrases related to hair growth or styles. This dual meaning makes it versatile in both formal and informal settings.
When to use 發
Be careful not to confuse 發 (fā) with 發音 (fāyīn), which means 'pronunciation.' It's commonly used in both spoken and written Mandarin, but in formal contexts, it’s often paired with other characters, such as 發布 (fābù, to publish) or 發現 (fāxiàn, to discover). Pay attention to the fourth tone, as mispronunciation can lead to confusion with different words.
發 or something close to it
發 (fā) vs 發展 (fāzhǎn) — use 發 when referring specifically to issuing or sending out, while 發展 refers to development or growth in a broader sense.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 發 (fā) with 發音 (fāyīn; pronunciation) or mispronounce it as the fourth tone, which changes its meaning completely. Always remember to use the first tone to refer to 'to issue' or 'to send out.'
Write 發
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Practice writing 發 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 發
Compound Meaning
What does 发生 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 發
發 (fā) means 'to issue' or 'to send out,' while 發展 (fāzhǎn) specifically means 'to develop.'
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