Learn a Chinese Character - 发

1. Character Basics

Radical: 又 (Hand radical)

Stroke Count: 5 (Number of strokes: 5)

Structure Analysis: 形声字，从又（手部动作），發声（fā，表音）。本义指射出（如"发射"），现指扩展（如"发展"）(Phonetic-semantic character: "又" (hand) + "發" (phonetic). Originally meant "shoot", now means "expand".)

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: Fā (First tone)

3. Meaning

To send out; to emit; to issue; to develop; to arise; to happen; to start; to discover; to invent; to express; to publish.

Note: 发 also has a pronunciation of fà (fourth tone) meaning "hair".

4. Common Words

• 发现 (fā xiàn) Discover
• 发展 (fā zhǎn) Develop
• 发明 (fā míng) Invent
• 发表 (fā biǎo) Publish

5. Grammar & Usage

The character 发 (fā) is primarily used as a verb, indicating actions related to starting, sending, developing, or expressing something. It is highly versatile and appears in many common verbs and verb phrases.

• As a verb: 发车 (fā chē - to depart), 发电 (fā diàn - to generate electricity)
• In verb-object structures: 发言 (fā yán - to speak), 发火 (fā huǒ - to get angry)
• In resultative complements: 发挥 (fā huī - to give play to), 发扬 (fā yáng - to carry forward)

6. Cultural Background

The character 发 (fā) has significant cultural connotations in Chinese society. It often appears in idioms and expressions related to growth, development, and success.

For example, the phrase "发财" (fā cái) meaning "to get rich" is commonly used to wish someone prosperity and good fortune, especially during festivals like Chinese New Year.

Originally meaning "to shoot" (as in shooting an arrow), the character has evolved over time to encompass a wide range of meanings related to initiation and development.

7. Example Sentence

8. Memory Tips

Combine "又" (hand) + "发" (action) → Hand action of shooting. 组合"又"+"发"→ 表示用手发射的动作。