Meaning
Whether you are catching a train or announcing a discovery, 発 is the go-to character for 'bursting forth' or 'starting' something new. Fundamentally, it represents a sudden shift from an internal state to an external one. This is why you see it in words ranging from 出発 (departure) to 発見 (discovery). Historically, the character's meaning is rooted in the action of shooting an arrow from a bow. The traditional form (發) clearly depicts a bow and the action of release. The simplified modern form retains this sense of 'issuing forth' or 'launching.'
Students encounter 発 early in the N4 level because it is the structural foundation for logistical terms and technical concepts. It appears in words like 発生 (occurrence/outbreak) and 発明 (invention). Additionally, it serves as a counter for discrete, powerful releases like gunshots or pulses of energy. Consisting of 9 strokes under the 癶 (hatsugashira) radical, the character's visual structure mirrors its dynamic energy.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The primary on'yomi is ハツ (HATSU), used in nearly all academic and daily compounds. Due to Japanese phonology, when ハツ precedes certain consonants (k, s, t, or p), it often transforms into a small 'tsu' (っ). This creates a double consonant sound, as seen in 発覚 (hakkaku - detection) or 発表 (happyou - announcement).
- 出発 (shuppatsu) — departure
- 発言 (hatsugen) — remark/statement
- 連発 (renpatsu) — occurring in rapid succession
The secondary reading ホツ (HOTSU) is rarer and typically reserved for historical or Buddhist contexts. It carries a nuance of 'arising' or 'initiating' a spiritual state. You might encounter it when reading about formal enterprises or religious awakenings.
- 発起 (hokki) — starting an enterprise/suggestion
- 発心 (hosshin) — religious awakening
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
Native readings appear most often in specific verbs. The most crucial is た.つ (ta.tsu), used for departing. Note that this is distinct from 立つ (to stand). Another reading, はな.つ (hana.tsu), describes releasing something—like firing an arrow or emitting a scent. While あば.く (aba.ku) means to expose a secret, modern Japanese usually employs other kanji for that specific verb.
- 発つ (tatsu) — to depart (e.g., 東京を発つ - leave Tokyo)
- 発つ (hanatsu) — to fire/release/emit (e.g., 光を放つ - emit light)
- 発く (abaku) — to expose/divulge
Common Words & Compounds
Grouping 発 compounds by their function makes them much easier to memorize. Most fall into logistics, creation, or communication.
Logistics and Travel
- 出発 (shuppatsu) — Departure; leaving for a trip.
- 発車 (hassha) — The departure of a train or bus.
- 始発 (shihatsu) — The first train of the day.
- 発送 (hassou) — Shipping or dispatching goods.
- 発着 (hatchaku) — Arrivals and departures (seen at airports).
Science and Discovery
- 発見 (hakken) — Discovery; finding something previously hidden.
- 発明 (hatsumei) — Invention; creating something entirely new.
- 発電 (hatsuden) — Power generation; literally 'releasing' electricity.
- 開発 (kaihatsu) — Development; unlocking the potential of land or software.
Media and Expression
- 発表 (happyou) — Presentation or public announcement.
- 発行 (hakkou) — Publication; issuing a book or currency.
- 発覚 (hakkaku) — Detection; when a secret 'bursts' into the open.
Example Sentences
もうすぐ電車が発車します。
mousugu densha ga hassha shimasu.
The train will depart shortly.
明日の朝、八時に出発しましょう。
ashita no asa, hachiji ni shuppatsu shimashou.
Let's head out at 8:00 tomorrow morning.
エジソンは電球を発明しました。
ejison wa denkyuu wo hatsumei shimashita.
Edison invented the light bulb.
彼はクラスの前で発表をしました。
kare wa kurasu no mae de happyou wo shimashita.
He gave a presentation to the class.
この本は去年発行されました。
kono hon wa kyonen hakkou saremashita.
This book was published last year.
台風の影響で停電が発生しました。
taifuu no eikyou de teiden ga hassei shimashita.
A power outage occurred due to the typhoon.
このプロジェクトを一発で成功させたい。
kono purojekuto wo ippatsu de seikou sasetai.
I want to make this project a success in one shot.
Related Kanji
- 走 — Run, Move fast (Kanji N4)
- 終 — End, Finish, Conclude (Kanji N4)
- 止 — Stop, Halt, Cease (Kanji N4)
- 通 — Pass, Traffic, Communicate (Kanji N4)
- 歩 — Walk, Step, Progress (Kanji N4)
- 行 — To Go, To Act, Line (Kanji N5)
Memory Tip
Visualize the top radical 癶 as a runner's legs spread wide at the starting blocks. The bottom part of the simplified character resembles the explosive 'start' of the race. Imagine the runner bursting forward with incredible energy. Alternatively, think of the bottom as a bow (as in the traditional form) releasing an arrow into the air to signal the 'start' of an event.