发

• Pinyin: fā
• Hanzi breakdown: 发 — simplified from 發; originally depicted an arrow being released from a bow

Meaning

To send; to issue; to emit. A high-frequency verb with multiple related meanings centring on sending or producing.

Core meanings include: to send messages (发短信, 发微信), to emit or produce (发光 — emit light, 发烧 — have a fever), and to publish or issue (发表 — publish). One of the most commonly used verbs in Chinese.

Examples

1. 我给你发了一条消息。 I sent you a message.
2. 他每天都发朋友圈。 He posts on his Moments feed every day.
3. 老师发了新的作业。 The teacher assigned new homework.

Usage Guide

Context: messaging, communication, everyday actions

Tone: practical

Do Say

• 请把文件发给我。(Please send the document to me.)
• 我给你发了一封邮件。(I sent you an email.)

Don't Say

• 注意'发'读fā时表示'发出'，读fà时表示'头发' — the character 发 has two different pronunciations with completely different meanings: fā (to send) and fà (hair).

Origin & History

Simplified from the traditional 發. The original character depicted shooting an arrow with a bow, conveying the idea of sending something forth.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal