Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
发射(發射)fāshè(fa1she4)
发射 (fā shè) means to launch or emit something, often used in contexts like rockets or projectiles. It suggests the action of sending forth or discharging, typically in a controlled manner. Commonly, it's associated with technology, military operations, and scientific experiments.
Strokes15Frequency#2339DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In China, the concept of 发射 is particularly important in the context of the country's advancements in space exploration, including the launch of satellites and space missions. This reflects national pride and technological progress.
Memory Tip
Imagine a rocket taking off into the sky, which sounds like 'fa' as it ignites and 'she' as it shoots upwards. The character 发 (fa) has a radical resembling a hand that is 'launching' something, while 射 (she) has a visual of something shooting forward.
Meanings of 发射
fāshè(fa1she4)
1to shoot (a projectile)
2to fire (a rocket)
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 发射 means.
About 发射
发射Simplified
發射Traditional
15Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#2339Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7IntermediateTOCFLL5HSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 发射
Podcast: 发射
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 发射
Quick Contrast
发射 (fāshè) vs 释放 (shìfàng): use 发射 when referring to a controlled launch (like a rocket), while 释放 is for releasing or letting go, often in a less controlled context.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 发射 with 发送 (fāng sòng), which means to send (messages or items). 发射 is generally used in more formal or technical contexts. Be cautious with the tones, as mispronouncing either can lead to misunderstandings.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 发射 connects to other advanced vocabulary related to science and technology, such as 卫星 (wèi xīng - satellite) or 电子 (diàn zǐ - electronic). Focus on using it in context with discussions about space and science.
Common Mistakes
Learners might confuse 发射 with 发放 (fā fàng), which means to distribute. For example, saying '发放火箭' (fā fàng huǒjiàn - distribute rockets) instead of '发射火箭' (fā shè huǒjiàn - launch rockets) is incorrect.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 发射
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 发射 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 发射 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
How Well Do You Know 发射?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 发射 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
发射 (fā shè) means to launch or emit something, often used in contexts like rockets or projectiles. It suggests the action of sending forth or discharging, typically in a controlled manner. Commonly, it's associated with technology, military operations, and scientific experiments.
When to use 发射
Learners often confuse 发射 with 发送 (fāng sòng), which means to send (messages or items). 发射 is generally used in more formal or technical contexts. Be cautious with the tones, as mispronouncing either can lead to misunderstandings.
发射 or something close to it
发射 (fāshè) vs 释放 (shìfàng): use 发射 when referring to a controlled launch (like a rocket), while 释放 is for releasing or letting go, often in a less controlled context.
What learners get wrong
Learners might confuse 发射 with 发放 (fā fàng), which means to distribute. For example, saying '发放火箭' (fā fàng huǒjiàn - distribute rockets) instead of '发射火箭' (fā shè huǒjiàn - launch rockets) is incorrect.
Write 发射
发
射
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 发射 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 发射
发射 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 7 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.
