发出

• Pinyin: fā chū
• Hanzi breakdown: 发 = simplified from 發, meaning to emit; 出 = pictograph suggesting going out from an enclosure

Meaning

To emit; to send out; to issue. Used when something is released or produced outward, such as sound, light, or a signal.

Used for physical emissions like sound (发出声音), light (发出光), smell (发出气味), as well as abstract actions like issuing an invitation (发出邀请) or sending a signal (发出信号).

Examples

1. 那只小猫发出了很小的叫声。 The little cat let out a very soft cry.
2. 公司向所有客户发出了活动邀请。 The company sent out event invitations to all customers.
3. 这朵花发出了很好闻的香味。 This flower gives off a very pleasant fragrance.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, formal, description

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 他发出了一声叹气。(He let out a sigh.)
• 学校发出了放假通知。(The school issued a holiday notice.)

Don't Say

• 我发出了一个快递 (For sending a package, use 寄出 or 发 rather than 发出 — 发出 is better for sounds, signals, or announcements)

Origin & History

Compound of 发 (to send, emit) and 出 (out, exit), together meaning to send or release outward.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal