Definitions

(verb) to send out; to issue; to emit
(verb) to develop; to grow
(noun) hair

Etymology

Simplified form of both (send out) and (hair). Visually similar to , the bottom component of .

About

The character "发" in its modern simplified form originates from two distinct traditional characters that shared an identical pronunciation. One source is the traditional character "髮", which specifically means human hair and is composed of the components "髟" (long hair) and "犮" (which suggests a pulling or rising action), clearly denoting its meaning. The other source is the traditional character "發", meaning to shoot an arrow or to emit, which contains the component "弓" (a bow). Over centuries of use, the more graphically complex "髮" and "發" were both represented in cursive script by a simpler form that eventually became standardized as the simplified "发". This single form now carries the combined semantic range of its predecessors, referring both to the growth and appearance of hair and to concepts of sending out, issuing, or initiating action, creating a broad and context-dependent character in modern usage.

Example Sentences Hide

她的头很长。

Tā de tóufa hěn cháng.

Her hair is very long.

昨天生了一件事。

Zuótiān fāshēngle yī jiàn shì.

Yesterday, something happened.

科学家现了新行星。

Kēxuéjiā fāxiànle xīn xíngxīng.

Scientists discovered a new planet.

中国经济快速展。

Zhōngguó jīngjì kuàisù fāzhǎn.

China's economy is developing rapidly.

送了一封电子邮件。

Wǒ fāsòngle yī fēng diànzǐ yóujiàn.

I sent an email.

孩子烧了,需要休息。

Háizi fāshāo le, xūyào xiūxi.

The child has a fever and needs rest.

他在会议上表了重要讲话。

Tā zài huìyì shàng fābiǎole zhòngyào jiǎnghuà.

He delivered an important speech at the meeting.

爱迪生明了电灯,改变了世界。

Àidíshēng fāmíngle diàndēng, gǎibiànle shìjiè.

Edison invented the electric light, which changed the world.