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March 24, 2026
发展(發展)fāzhǎn(fa1zhan3)
The term 发展 (fāzhǎn) refers to the process of development or growth, whether in a personal, economic, or social context. It is commonly used when discussing progress, advancements, or improvements in various fields, such as technology or education.
Strokes15Frequency#1646DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In China, the concept of 发展 is deeply intertwined with the nation's rapid economic growth over the last few decades, often associated with the 'Chinese Dream' of modernization and prosperity.
Memory Tip
Imagine a tree (树) growing (长) tall and strong, representing growth and development. The character 发 (fā) can be visualized as 'sending out' branches, while 展 (zhǎn) suggests 'spreading out' leaves, together symbolizing the expansive nature of development.
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AI Study Notes for 发展
Quick Contrast
进步 (jìnbù) - use 发展 (fāzhǎn) for growth in a broader context, while 进步 (jìnbù) emphasizes improvement or progress specifically.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a tree (树) growing (长) tall and strong, representing growth and development. The character 发 (fā) can be visualized as 'sending out' branches, while 展 (zhǎn) suggests 'spreading out' leaves, together symbolizing the expansive nature of development.
Usage Notes
Be mindful that 发展 is often used in formal contexts, such as business or academic discussions. Common collocations include 经济发展 (economic development) and 社会发展 (social development). Students should pay attention to the tone of each character; mispronouncing either can change the meaning.
HSK Study Tips
At HSK Level 4, 发展 connects with other words related to change and improvement, such as 改变 (gǎibiàn, to change) and 提升 (tíshēng, to improve). Focus on using 发展 in sentences to describe processes or changes in various contexts.
Cultural Note
In China, the concept of 发展 is deeply intertwined with the nation's rapid economic growth over the last few decades, often associated with the 'Chinese Dream' of modernization and prosperity.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 发展 with 进步 (jìnbù, progress). For example, saying '我的发展' (wǒ de fāzhǎn) instead of '我的进步' (wǒ de jìnbù) can be incorrect in contexts focusing on personal progress. Remember that 发展 emphasizes broader development.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 发展
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Grammar Patterns of 发展
发展 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 5 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
The rapid development of the city has attracted many young people to work here.
vngrowth3
12
中国的经济发展很快。
Zhōngguó de jīngjì fāzhǎn hěn kuài.
China's economic growth is very fast.
13
孩子的健康发展很重要。
Háizi de jiànkāng fāzhǎn hěn zhòngyào.
The healthy growth of children is very important.
14
他的事业发展得很好。
Tā de shìyè fāzhǎn de hěn hǎo.
His career is growing well.
Cultural Notes for 发展
🏮Cultural insight
In China, the concept of 发展 is deeply intertwined with the nation's rapid economic growth over the last few decades, often associated with the 'Chinese Dream' of modernization and prosperity.
Frequently Asked Questions about 发展
发展 (fāzhǎn) refers to broader development and growth, often in economic or social contexts, while 成长 (chéngzhǎng) typically describes personal growth or maturation.
While 发展 is primarily used in formal contexts, it can be used informally when discussing personal growth or changes in one's life.
You can say 这个项目的发展非常快 (The development of this project is very fast) to illustrate the term in context.
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